In Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress you may recall the description of the Man with the Muck-rake, the man who could look no way but downward with the muck-rake in his hands; who was offered a celestial crown for his muck-rake, but who would neither look up nor regard the crown he was offered, but continued to rake to himself the filth of the floor.
— President Theodore Roosevelt, April 14, 1906
The term "muckraker" originated from this quotation from President Roosevelt. In what way was Ida Tarbell representative of the individuals described by Roosevelt in this quotation?
A.
She opposed capitalism because it harmed the working class.
B
.
She supported major businesses and the wealthy elite.
C.
She worked tirelessly to uncover and expose corruption.
D.
She refused to attach her name to her journalistic exposés.
1 answer
C. She worked tirelessly to uncover and expose corruption.
Ida Tarbell is recognized as a leading muckraker who focused on uncovering and reporting on the unethical practices of businesses, particularly in her investigations into the Standard Oil Company. This aligns with Roosevelt's reference to individuals who might be focused on uncovering societal issues rather than looking upward, symbolizing progress or potential solutions.
