Final answer:
The Handmaid in Margaret Atwood's novel possesses the power to bear children, which gives her some power over men. This kind of power aligns with traditional gender roles but also contradicts them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Handmaid in Margaret Atwood's novel has a unique kind of power over men even though she appears powerless. The power the Handmaid possesses is her ability to bear children. In the dystopian society of Gilead, where infertility is common, the Handmaids are valued for their fertility. This gives them some degree of power over men, as men rely on them for procreation.
This kind of power is traditional in the sense that it aligns with traditional gender roles where women are valued for their reproductive abilities. However, it also contradicts traditional gender roles in terms of agency and control. While the Handmaids may have limited personal freedom and choice, they have a crucial role in the society's survival and can exercise power through their ability to give birth.