Short Answer 
Oscar Wilde uses humor and irony to critique Victorian societal norms, particularly the absurd focus on family lineage and status. Through a specific quote, he highlights the triviality of appearances in family values, encouraging readers to reconsider superficial societal expectations and advocate for a deeper understanding of family.
Step 1: Understanding Wilde’s Humor
Oscar Wilde employs humor and irony in his works to criticize societal norms, particularly in the Victorian era. His use of comedic elements allows him to address serious issues regarding family lineage and societal expectations in a lighthearted manner. By using absurd scenarios, he highlights the ridiculousness of the emphasis placed on proper family backgrounds.
Step 2: Analyzing the Quote
The specific quote, ‚ÄöAuTo be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life . . .‚ÄöAu serves as a prime example of Wilde’s critique. This line underscores the absurd focus placed on appearances and status when it comes to family values. It points out that the type of bag does not matter, emphasizing that such concerns are trivial in the grand scheme of life.
Step 3: The Impact on Society
Through this quote and similar instances in ‚ÄöAuThe Importance of Being Earnest,‚ÄöAu Wilde encourages readers to reflect on the superficial nature of societal expectations regarding family status. His humor serves as a mirror, revealing the hypocrisy within societal norms and prompting individuals to rethink the importance they place on lineage and background. Ultimately, Wilde advocates for a more profound understanding of family, beyond mere appearances.