Oscar Wilde’s works were profoundly impacted by the cultural context of his upbringing in Victorian society. Growing up in a well-educated family in Dublin, Wilde was exposed to both literature and philosophy from an early age, shaping his wit and style. His experiences at Magdalen College in Oxford further expanded his worldview, particularly regarding artistic expression and sexuality. Wilde's critiques of societal norms are often reflective of the constraints he observed, culminating in plays like "The Importance of Being Earnest," which challenged the hypocrisy of his era while highlighting the complexities of human relationships.