Question

which figure of speech is used in this text? i must be cruel, only to be kind: thus bad begins and worse remains behind. —william shakespeare, hamlet euuphemism paradox

Explanation:

A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory but may be true. Here, "be cruel, only to be kind" presents a contradictory idea (cruelty to achieve kindness), which fits paradox. A euphemism is a milder term for something harsh, which doesn't apply here.

Answer:

paradox