In the paragraph, the author uses the oxymoron "silent scream" to convey the intensity of their frustration and emotional turmoil. The term juxtaposes the idea of a scream, which is typically loud and expressive, with the word "silent," suggesting a profound sense of internal struggle and helplessness. This contrast emphasizes the protagonist's inability to communicate their feelings to their parents, highlighting their isolation in the face of disappointment. Instead of expressing their emotions outwardly, the protagonist resorts to a private release, indicating that their anguish is so deep that even their screams are muted.
The role of the oxymoron serves to encapsulate the protagonist's complex emotional state and the dynamics of their relationship with their parents. Their anticipation of receiving little sympathy suggests a lack of understanding from their family, reinforcing the theme of loneliness in their experience. The choice to let out a "silent scream" illustrates not only their frustration but also the societal pressure to mask or contain one's emotions, creating a poignant reflection on how individuals often cope with disappointment in solitude.