What emotional response does the author aim to elicit by discussing the realities faced by employees?

The author aims to evoke sympathy for the financial situations of employees in the fast-food industry by revealing the harsh realities they face. Through poignant storytelling and detailed descriptions of their working conditions, wages, and personal struggles, the text highlights the economic challenges and often exploitative practices within the industry. This empathetic portrayal allows readers to understand the hardships that many fast-food workers encounter, encouraging them to feel compassion for those individuals who are trying to make ends meet in a difficult environment. The focus on these emotional aspects is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of the human impact behind the fast-food business model.

While other emotional responses could be considered, such as frustration with industry practices, this particular answer emphasizes the author’s intentions to highlight the financial and personal struggles of employees, prompting readers to respond with sympathy rather than distancing emotions.