Angels for the Guns

"Guns were for the guards, specially picked from the angels" -Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood

How far can a human being go in the process of gaining power, before it crosses the line of protection and becomes corruption? 

Protect: to defend or guard from attack, cover or shield from injury or danger
Corrupt:Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain. Cause to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.

The quote from Handmaids tale prevails the setting of a dystopian society and contradicts the typical stereotype of an angel and a gun. An angel is a spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God; representing hope, peace, guiding you towards the right path. The fact the "angels" are handing the guns emphasizes their governments purpose, to control all through fear. It represents their want to dehumanize the people, while showing them that they don't care what the cost is to gain power. How soulless and power ridden to go through drastic procedures to gain want they want. With the angels "specially" picking the guards demonstrates how they reward violence. Praise is only received through violent actions. This representation also shows how guns and violence is a good thing in their society because the "messenger of God" is picking them, meaning it has to be the right choice. Showing that protection is not the purpose of these guns, but authority and the ability to make people fear you to gain control leading to absolute power, and because they have already reached absolute power the next step is corruption.