Are we talking metaphorically, in the sense that Hitler was a monster, or literally, in the sense that a manticore is a monster?

Given the context of the intended pairing, I'd say metaphorically. If the context of a different pairing causes the opposite to make more sense, so be it.

Bonus points if you know what movie this WYR is from.

It is always better to die as a good MAN because then you must have lived as one!!

Shutter island