The prominent author who wrote about the trials of the working class is Upton Sinclair. His novel "The Jungle" exposed the grim realities of labor conditions in the early 20th century, particularly within the meatpacking industry. Sinclair's vivid depictions of poverty and exploitation aimed to spark reform and raise awareness about the need for improved labor laws and food safety regulations. His work contributed to the establishment of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act, showcasing the power of literature as a catalyst for social change.