Question

ELA 12 A Semester Exam
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Hamlet
by William Shakespeare

HAMLET.

…I will bestow him, and will answer well

The death I gave him. So again good night.

I must be cruel, only to be kind;

Thus bad begins, and worse remains behind.



"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

Question
Use this excerpt from Hamlet by William Shakespeare to answer the question.

Choose the answer that best interprets the paradox in the phrase “I must be cruel, only to be kind.”

(1 point)
Responses

Hamlet believes that a person can either be cruel or kind, but it is impossible to be both.
Hamlet believes that a person can either be cruel or kind, but it is impossible to be both.

Hamlet believes that once a person is cruel, his or her behavior will become worse, and he or she will never act kindly again.
Hamlet believes that once a person is cruel, his or her behavior will become worse, and he or she will never act kindly again.

Hamlet intends to do something that would typically be considered heartless, but he is actually doing it to be helpful and considerate.
Hamlet intends to do something that would typically be considered heartless, but he is actually doing it to be helpful and considerate.

Hamlet intends to do something difficult and challenging, but he is afraid it might be misinterpreted as kindness.
Hamlet intends to do something difficult and challenging, but he is afraid it might be misinterpreted as kindness.
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Answer 1

The best interpretation of the paradox in the phrase “I must be cruel, only to be kind” is:

**Hamlet intends to do something that would typically be considered heartless, but he is actually doing it to be helpful and considerate.**

This interpretation captures the essence of the phrase, where Hamlet acknowledges that his actions, though seeming cruel, are ultimately aimed at a greater good or kindness.