The oxymoron "silent scream" in the paragraph serves to encapsulate the intense, yet muted, frustration the character feels after not getting the desired role in the school play. This juxtaposition of contradictory concepts reflects a deep emotional turmoil that cannot be externally expressed in a conventional manner. While the character longs for an outlet to convey their disappointment, the phrase suggests the internal struggle and the suffocating nature of their feelings, highlighting how some emotions can be overwhelming yet remain unvoiced.
The role of the oxymoron is to create a powerful image of repressed feelings and the isolation that often accompanies them. It emphasizes the character's recognition that their parents may not provide the support they need, leading them to bottle up their emotions. The phrase "let out a silent scream" signifies that even in silence, the pain of rejection can resonate deeply, evoking empathy from the reader despite the character's physical restraint. Thus, the oxymoron effectively amplifies the emotional intensity of the moment while illustrating the complexities of seeking support from unsympathetic sources.