Short Answer 
The Victorian social code emphasized class distinctions and social hierarchy, influencing interactions and opportunities based on social rankings. Oscar Wilde’s quote illustrates the upper class’s perception of the lower classes as providing moral lessons, while his play *The Importance of Being Earnest* satirizes and critiques this absurd class structure.
Step 1: Understanding the Victorian Social Code
The Victorian social code placed a significant emphasis on class distinctions and social hierarchy. It governed how individuals interacted based on their social rankings, with strict expectations for behavior and roles within society. These rankings often determined one’s worth and opportunities, influencing everything from marriage prospects to career advancements.
Step 2: Analyzing the Quote
The quote, “Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?” exemplifies the Victorian attitude towards class divisions. It implies a belief that the lower classes exist primarily to provide moral or social lessons to the upper classes. This attitude reinforces the notion that social ranking is crucial, as it illustrates how the upper classes justify their position in society.
Step 3: Recognizing Class Divisions in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’
In *The Importance of Being Earnest*, Oscar Wilde highlights the absurdity of the Victorian class structure through satire. The play showcases characters from various social standings and their interactions, emphasizing how fabricated identities serve to navigate societal expectations. By exposing the ridiculousness of these divisions, Wilde critiques the very foundation of the Victorian social code.