Final answer:
The figure of speech is a paradox, revealing that more haste may actually impede speed and result in longer completion time of tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The figure of speech in the line "The more haste, the less speed" is a paradox. This statement may seem contradictory at first, but it reveals a deeper truth upon reflection. It illustrates the idea that sometimes trying to do things too quickly can result in actually taking longer to complete them, as haste can lead to mistakes and setbacks.
This concept is often illustrated through fables and stories, such as Aesop's fable of "The Hare and the Tortoise" where the slower but steady tortoise wins the race against the hasty hare. It is a common theme in literature to use paradoxes to convey messages that go against common intuition, encouraging deeper contemplation.