Why was john steinbeck considered a controversial author?

Steinbeck was contrevercial and showed such ideas in all of his books. In all of his novels, conreverical ideas from that time period were seen such as Social and Economic issues from every class and race. He worked to diminish the classes and the gap between the wealthy and poor, which was seen as an autroucity in this time period. In his novel "In Dubious Battle" also hinted at ideas of communism, which added to his stacking controversial ideas.

Steinbeck was a champion of the underdog and those who were considered second-class citizens of that time: disabled, African-Americans, women, working classmen (laborers) and elderly. He treated his characters with gentle humanity and valued what they had to say. For example, in OF MICE and MEN, Lennie is mentally disabled and without a family. George takes care of him and Lennie is portrayed as sensitive and loyal