1. American Society in the 1960s: Albee was influenced by the tumultuous state of American society during the 1960s. He perceived American society as sustaining itself on illusions of prosperity and equality, which he felt needed honest confrontation and communication. The play reflects a critique of these societal norms, exploring themes of illusion versus reality.

2. Personal Influences: Albee’s personal life and relationships also played a role in shaping the play. He reportedly drew inspiration from his friends, Willard Maas and Marie Menken, whose tumultuous marriage mirrored the intense dynamics between George and Martha in the play.

3. Literary Allusions: The title itself is a play on words, referencing both the English novelist Virginia Woolf and the song “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” This title encapsulates the theme of confronting harsh realities without illusions. Albee’s interest in themes of reality versus illusion is further informed by philosophical ideas, such as Nietzsche’s Apollonian/Dionysian dichotomy.

4. Cultural Context: The play also emerged from Albee’s critique of the superficial values prevalent in American culture during the 1950s and 60s. He aimed to reveal the raw human truths beneath these facades, challenging the notion that everything was “peachy-keen” in American life.

Through these inspirations, Albee crafted a play that not only explored personal and marital discord but also served as a broader commentary on societal norms and human nature.

Illusion vs. Reality A major theme is the contrast between illusion and reality. Martha and George have created an imaginary son to cope with their inability to have children. Their made-up stories and games represent their retreat into illusion to avoid facing the harsh realities of their marriage.

Societal Expectations The play challenges the 1950s idealized notion of the perfect American family. It exposes the emptiness and dysfunction that can lie beneath the facade of a respectable, middle-class couple. Albee critiques the pressure to conform to societal expectations of marriage and family life.

Competition and Power Dynamics Martha and George's relationship is characterized by a constant struggle for power and one-upmanship. Their games and verbal attacks are a means to assert dominance over each other and their guests Nick and Honey.

By exploring these themes through the lens of Martha and George's marriage, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" offers a scornful commentary on the unpleasant side of American suburban life in the 1960s.

However, Albee intended the play to be thought-provoking rather than merely entertaining. He used the play to probe and challenge American ideals of marriage, the mythos of the American dream, and social values. Albee presents mental and emotional regression as a consequence of living within illusions, and suggests that confronting reality with candour and authenticity is necessary for emotional maturity.

The play explores themes such as the phoniness of public and private images in marriage, the desire for success and its impact on self-esteem, and the influence of parents and children on each other. Albee also uses the play to comment on societal decay, with characters like George and Martha symbolically representing a fallen civilization.

While the play is often remembered for its intense portrayal of marital discord, various stage productions have highlighted its multifaceted nature and enduring impact. As the play continues to be revived in today's era of distorted truths and illusions, its relevance as a poignant reminder of the perils of living detached from reality becomes increasingly apparent.