The oxymoron "silent scream" in the paragraph underscores the complexity of the narrator's emotions. It juxtaposes the concept of a "scream," which typically represents an external expression of intense feelings, with "silent," indicating a lack of outward vocalization. This highlights the internal conflict experienced by the narrator—while they feel deeply frustrated and upset about not securing the role in the school play, they are unable or unwilling to express these emotions verbally to their parents, anticipating that their feelings would not be understood or validated. The "silent scream" becomes a powerful metaphor for bottled-up emotions and the struggle between wanting to express oneself and the fear of rejection or indifference.
Moreover, the use of this oxymoron conveys a sense of isolation and reinforces the narrator's emotional turmoil. The act of retreating to their room and letting out a "silent scream" suggests a desire for release that cannot manifest in traditional forms of communication. Instead of engaging in a supportive dialogue with their parents, the narrator chooses a solitary expression of their disappointment. This choice emphasizes their frustration not only with the situation but also with the lack of emotional connection and support from their family. This internal struggle reflects a universal experience of feeling unheard or misunderstood, making the "silent scream" a poignant illustration of the narrator's inner world.