Final answer:
John Steinbeck's work has been criticized for its portrayal of violence, depiction of poverty, use of language, and especially its political themes. Illustrating social injustices and economic disparities, his novels like The Grapes of Wrath often challenge the status quo and reflect the literary trend of realism and naturalism of the period.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Steinbeck's work has drawn criticism from various segments of the American populace primarily due to its political themes, although aspects such as its portrayal of violence, depiction of poverty, and language use have also been subjects of controversy. Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, for example, presents a vivid illustration of the struggles faced by the Joad family during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Such depictions bring to light economic disparities and social injustices, eliciting reactions ranging from empathy to disapproval, depending on the reader's perspective. The political aspects of such novels often challenged the status quo and contributed to their controversial nature, as they could verge on supporting socialism by highlighting the failures of capitalism.
In alignment with the literary trends of the period, writers like Sinclair Lewis and F. Scott Fitzgerald depicted various societal issues that resulted in their work being critically viewed. Steinbeck continued this tradition of realism and naturalism, alongside contemporaries like Mark Twain and Jack London, portraying the reality of American life and often prompting a demand for social reform. These narratives often directly engaged with themes of environmental justice, as seen in Steinbeck's depiction of the deleterious effects of over-tilling on soil and agriculture.