In his works, Stephen King often explores the theme of the darker aspects of human nature, suggesting that adults can be more frightening than any fictional monster. This concept implies that true horror lies not in supernatural beings but in the capacity for cruelty and malice found in everyday people. Kings’ characters frequently reflect this unsettling reality, revealing their flaws and moral failings.
King's statement that "Adults are the real monsters" serves as a reminder of the potential for evil within humanity. It encourages readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and the darker motives that can drive individuals. The idea challenges the notion of innocence associated with childhood, highlighting that the transition to adulthood often reveals a more complex, and sometimes sinister, reality.