In Anne Rice's "The Vampire Lestat," the quote reflects a sense of disillusionment with traditional fairy tale narratives. The speaker acknowledges that the expected savior figure, often portrayed as a prince, is unlikely to appear, suggesting a loss of hope. This observation raises questions about the constructs of fairy tales and their relevance in real life, highlighting that a happy ending is not guaranteed.
The mention of "sleeping beauty" being possibly dead reinforces the theme of despair. It implies that the anticipated rescue and transformation may never come, leading to a grim acceptance of reality. This perspective invites readers to contemplate the idea that fairy tales, while enchanting, can also be misleading, and that one must often confront the stark truths of existence without relying on fantastical solutions.