1. Also noted for his socialist convictions and his contributions as a journalist, Demetrescu advocated an original view of literature, which, despite placing emphasis on progressivism, was distinct from the Marxist views of his contemporaries Constantin Dobrogeanu-Gherea and Constantin Mille.
Traian Demetrescu's original take on poetry served to inspire the Romanian symbolist groups.
Traian Demetrescu is seen as a predecessor to Stefan Petica, N Davidescu and George Bacovia, while his prose was an influence on Caton Theodorian.
One of them, Radu Traian Demetrescu, graduated from the Theatrical Conservatory in Bucharest, where he befriended actor and future avant-garde dramatist George Ciprian, together with whom he was later employed by the National Theater Craiova.
Traian Demetrescu's contributions attracted Alexandru Macedonski's attention, who praised his abilities and re-published some of his lyrics in his Bucharest-based journal Literatorul.
Traian Demetrescu defended Constantin Dobrogeanu-Gherea in his polemic with Junimist leader Titu Maiorescu, and, after 1893, was among a group of younger socialists to mount a press campaign against Junimea.
One other socialist writer with whom Traian Demetrescu came to associate at the time was the future Orthodox priest Gala Galaction.
Traian Demetrescu subsequently traveled to Vienna, where he visited the Cathedral of Saint Stephen.
Traian Demetrescu commented at length on Demetrescu's character and in particular his eccentricities, attributing them to the problems posed by tuberculosis.
George Calinescu indicated that Traian Demetrescu was a read man, who was well-acquainted with works by some major figures of Medieval literature, Renaissance literature and Humanism, the Age of Enlightenment, and Romanticism.
In Calinescu's opinion, the Symbolist elements in Traian Demetrescu's writings served to explain his close relationship with Macedonski, which contrasted with their backgrounds and political opinions.
Researcher Lidia Bote proposed that Macedonski and Traian Demetrescu were both eclectic figures representing a period when Symbolism was one of the many competing influences, and argued that a "pure" Symbolism only imposed itself in Romania after 1902, when Stefan Petica published his earliest poems.
Traian Demetrescu was one of Romania's earliest socialist poets, in the same generation as Constantin Mille and Ion Paun-Pincio, and a versifier of socialist battle hymns.
Traian Demetrescu took interest in the works of Evolutionists and Positivists such as Herbert Spencer, Jean-Marie Guyau, and Hippolyte Taine.
Traian Demetrescu was influenced by Constantin Dobrogeanu-Gherea and supported him in conflicts with Titu Maiorescu, showing that he did not endorse the Junimist views of an "art for art's sake".
Traian Demetrescu believed Maiorescu was valuable, but no longer relevant.
Traian Demetrescu was however persistent in arguing that there was no absolute connection between social classes and artistic creation.
Traian Demetrescu recalled being familiar with many of Macedonski's original theories on various subjects, including astronomy and the works of Camille Flammarion.
Traian Demetrescu recorded that the theistic Macedonski answered "positive science" with "the grin of skepticism".
Traian Demetrescu's memoirs provided detail on Macedonski's interest in visual arts, indicating that the older poet had always wished to become a painter, and that his determination had instead shaped the artistic career of his son Alexis.
Traian Demetrescu was a great poet, an illustrious patriot, and a joyful person.
In Craiova, Traian Demetrescu is honored with a bust in his likeness, which was erected some ten years after his death, following intense campaigning by Adevarul journal.
Traian Demetrescu's name was given to a high school in the city and to the Traian Demetrescu House of Culture.