How Did Oscar Wilde's Impact On Society

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During the Victorian era in England, it was very common for the wealthy to set the trends and styles of culture. This period was named after Queen Victoria and is known for its times of peace and prosperity. The affluent were typically esteemed to be like royalty. Their wealth caused them to be like kings and queens. Their self-confidence and overinflated ego would lead the wealthy to set standards so high that nobody could genuinely follow them. An outsider's view of the Victorian era would show many prosperous people living a seemingly perfect lifestyle. However, this was far from the truth. Prostitutes undermined fidelity in marriage. People consumed expensive liquor in staggering quantities. Gambling was a hobby and even a sign of wealth. The upper-class would pursue destructive vices that undermined their purported view of personal perfection. Oscar Wilde was an incredible man who lived during the Victorian era. Through his writings, Wilde was able to show the importance of appreciating beauty, instead of social and …show more content…

Around London, he was known for his captivating stories and personality. Instead of conforming to the Victorian idea of how a wealthy gentleman should behave, Oscar Wilde pursued something greater. Instead of trying to become more prosperous and achieve a better social standing, he sought to make himself a living work of art. Wilde grew out his hair, filled his workspaces with flowers and fine china, and openly mocked the self-importance of the upper-class. “The Importance of Being Earnest” was best received for several reasons. This play took many significantly esteemed aspects of the Victorian era and showed how ridiculous they were. By writing satirical plays, Wilde was able to capture the attention of many people which led to his ever increasing fame. Because of his infectious personality, multitudes of people began to support Wilde and his