Which author is known for critiquing the superficial aspects of American society during the Gilded Age?

Mark Twain is known for his sharp critique of the superficial aspects of American society during the Gilded Age. Through his writing, Twain highlighted issues such as social inequity, corruption, and the hypocrisy present in society. His works, particularly "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today," depict the moral decay and the disparities between wealth and poverty that characterized this era. Twain's satirical style not only entertained readers but also prompted them to reflect on the societal norms and values of the time, effectively making him a pivotal figure in American literature as a social critic.

Other authors mentioned, such as Jack London, are recognized for their focus on social issues and human struggles, particularly in relation to nature and labor, but do not center their critique specifically on the Gilded Age's superficiality. Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald explored themes of the American experience in their works, with Fitzgerald notably critiquing the American Dream in the Jazz Age, but their main focus is on the societal changes that occurred after the Gilded Age.