Superiority - defined as "greater in quality, quantity, etc." by the World English Dictionary. This word has floated throughout the history of mankind, leaving ugly, distinctive marks. There are countless examples of individuals, groups, etc. claiming to be superior over another. Yet, what exactly makes one superior to another? Is it beauty? Money? Success? Youth? What? The fact is that it is all of those things! However, the undeniable truth is that these things are all false powers in the sense of superiorty. Superiority is relative. This means that it only exists within the confines of those who believe it. What one may think is beautiful may be indescribably repulsive to another. The instant someone else disagrees with the "superior," the "superior" loses a fraction of power.
In Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian becomes corrupted and bases his life on the importance of his youth. Desiring eternal youth, Dorian Gray ultimately dooms himself. While his youth may make him feel superior, it is actually relative. In this case, his youth can only carry him so far - his lack of moral character gradually destroys him. Basil, originally seeing Dorian as pure, notes his corruption, thus deteriorating his view of Dorian. The fact is, what makes you feel superior will always have consequences (large or small). We are all human...no one is above the other..."deep down under our skins, there is flesh and blood! For we're all brothers!" - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
The idea of superiority being correlated with wickedness is common throughout not only literature, but all sorts of media. It is a theme that has been carried through the years and is present even today because it is universal. First, pick any Disney movie - The Lion King, for example. Of course there is a villain - Scar. Let me say first: What did the mother think was going to happen when she named her cubs Scar and Mufasa? Obviously, one was going to grow up to be evil (credit to Jenna Marbles for this thought). The reason Scar is so evil and meets his demise is that he believes he is superior to all others...coincidence? I think not! This corrupted thought clouds his vision, makes the audience hate him, and ultimately dethrones him. This cycle of superiority is quite common in all aspects of life. Sadly, in many instances, the "superior" individual or group does not fall from power as easily or quickly as in a Disney animated feature (example: men acting superior to women).
