I was extremely frustrated after not getting the role I wanted in the school play, but I knew I would get little sympathy from my parents. So, when I came home from school, rather than having a heart-to-heart conversation with them, I went to my room and let out a silent scream.

Question

In 1–2 paragraphs, explain how would you interpret the oxymoron the author includes in the paragraph. What is the role of the oxymoron? Support your ideas with evidence from the paragraph.

Answer 1

The oxymoron "silent scream" in the paragraph captures the complex emotional state of the narrator, who feels intense frustration yet refrains from expressing it vocally. This juxtaposition highlights the internal conflict between the need to vocalize feelings and the fear of being dismissed or misunderstood, especially in a context where empathy is anticipated to be lacking. The term "silent" suggests a suppression of emotions, emphasizing the loneliness of the experience, while "scream" conveys the depth of frustration and pain being felt.

The role of the oxymoron enhances the understanding of the narrator's emotional turmoil. By using "silent scream," the author illustrates that even in the absence of loud expressions, the pain is very real. The narrator’s decision to retreat to their room instead of seeking comfort from their parents indicates a sense of alienation and a belief that their feelings wouldn’t be validated. This event creates a vivid image of internal suffering that resonates with the reader, who can sympathize with feeling overwhelmed and unheard, thereby providing depth to the character’s experience.