Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright and novelist heavily associated with the philosophy of aestheticism. The Importance of Being Earnest was among his most popular works, and was the last comedy Wilde wrote. For a time, Wilde was one of the most successful playwrights in London. But when a libel suit against Marques of Queensbury, the father of partner unearthed evidence against Wilde, he was arrested for homosexual activity. Because he was gay, Wilde was sentenced to two years of hard labor and spent two years in jail. After Wilde was released, he was exiled. He published the last of his work in 1898.

When Jack and Algernon's loves, Gwendolyn and Cecily, declare that they will only marry a man named Earnest, the two men find themselves deep in a lie as they unwillingly share an alter ego, Earnest Worthington. The Importance of Being Earnest comedically tackles the subject of marriage and satirizes Victorian ways with the portrayal of Jack, Algernon, Gwendolyn, and Cecily's priorities, as well as their relationships.