Which of the following authors is NOT known for works focused on African American experiences?

The correct answer is that Jane Austen is not known for works focused on African American experiences. Austen was an English novelist primarily recognized for her social commentary on the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Her works, such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility," primarily address themes related to class, marriage, and social mobility within a specific cultural and historical context, which does not engage with African American experiences.

In contrast, authors like James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, and Zora Neale Hurston have made significant contributions to literature that center on the African American experience. Baldwin's essays and novels often explore themes of identity, race, and sexuality; Morrison's works, such as "Beloved," delve deeply into the complexities of African American history and culture; and Hurston's classic "Their Eyes Were Watching God" encapsulates African American women's experiences in the early 20th century. Each of these authors provides essential insights into the African American experience through their unique narratives and perspectives.