How did Theodore Dreiser's realistic details make his novels influential?

Theodore Dreiser’s novels were highly influential because they pioneered a shift toward naturalism in American literature, replacing Victorian notions of propriety with an unflinching, gritty presentation of real-life subject matter.123

His work gained power through the accumulation of realistic detail, which allowed him to explore the complexities of 20th-century American life, including its material profusion and spiritual disillusionment. By documenting the vagaries of urban existence and the harsh realities of social and economic forces, Dreiser provided a searing indictment of materialism and the American dream of success.134

Key aspects of his influence include:
* Unvarnished Truth-telling: He became a beacon for subsequent writers by insisting on the realistic treatment of all subject matter, regardless of social conventions.13
* Psychological and Social Depth: His meticulous research—particularly in his business novels—and his compassionate, brooding view of humanity allowed him to delineate the tragic aspects of the pursuit of worldly success with great integrity.13
* Challenging Morality: By depicting characters who transgressed against conventional sexual morality without traditional punishment, he broke new ground in literary realism.34