Final answer:
John Steinbeck's work reflects the 1930s American society by depicting the struggles of the Great Depression, focusing on the working class's hardships, emphasizing the importance of community, and critiquing societal inequities.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Steinbeck's work reflects American society in the 1930s primarily by depicting the struggles of the Great Depression. His narratives often focus on the harsh realities faced by ordinary people, such as economic hardship, social injustice, and the search for stability and dignity amidst widespread poverty. Steinbeck's literature—most notably in works like The Grapes of Wrath—portrays the trials of the working class, the migration of farmers fleeing the Dust Bowl, and the overall impact of economic downturn during this era.
Steinbeck uses his characters to highlight the strength of community and the importance of solidarity in the face of individual suffering. This approach contrasts with the preceding era's cultural focus on individualism and material success. Instead, Steinbeck offered a critical view of society, emphasizing the need for collective action and empathy in order to address the inequalities and difficulties of the time.