Short Answer 
The passage highlights the genre of Comedy of Manners, which critiques Victorian family values by exposing the pretentiousness and hypocrisies of the upper class through humor. Oscar Wilde exemplifies this critique in works like “The Importance of Being Earnest,” where he challenges societal norms by illustrating characters who value social status over genuine family loyalty.
Step 1: Understand the Genre of Comedy of Manners
The passage employs the genre of Comedy of Manners, which is crucial for understanding its critique of Victorian family values. This genre often highlights the social behaviors and pretensions of the upper class. By identifying the quirks and obsessions of these characters, humor serves as a tool to explore and satirize their exaggerated social manners.
Step 2: Analyze the Satirical Elements
The humor in the passage is used to reveal the hypocrisies and pretentiousness of Victorian society. The characters often engage in ridiculous behaviors, demonstrating their fixation on reputation and societal expectations. This satire emphasizes their absurdities, especially around family obligations, where characters may go to great lengths to escape responsibilities, highlighting the inherent flaws in their values.
Step 3: Examine Oscar Wilde’s Impact
Oscar Wilde’s works, such as The Importance of Being Earnest, are prime examples of this critique. Through humor, Wilde challenges the rigidity of Victorian norms surrounding family and societal duties. By portraying characters who prioritize social status over familial loyalty, Wilde exposes the superficial values of the upper class, making a significant statement on the social dynamics of his time.