Who did society champion during this era?

• A. The elite ruling class and capitalists.
• B. The underdog; they supported women's suffrage, child labor reform, and abolitionism.
• C. The military and war heroes.
• D. The politicians and lobbyists.

Answer: (B)

Literature from this period centers on social reform and giving voice to those with less power. Society championed the underdog—advocating for abolitionism, women's suffrage, and child-labor reform—because writers and reformers used fiction, poetry, and journalism to expose injustice and mobilize readers. That focus on empowering marginalized groups is why this choice fits best. In contrast, celebrating the elite ruling class, war heroes, or politicians doesn’t reflect the era’s reformist impulse.