The oxymoron "silent scream" embodies the deep internal conflict and emotional turmoil the author experiences after being disappointed by not securing the desired role in the school play. On the surface, a scream suggests an outward expression of emotion, typically associated with noise and catharsis. In contrast, the term "silent" implies restraint and lack of expression. This juxtaposition highlights the author’s struggle to process their feelings while feeling isolated and unheard, particularly in a situation where they anticipate little sympathy from their parents.
The role of the oxymoron is to emphasize the author’s frustration and the complexities of their emotional state. By opting for a "silent scream" instead of vocalizing their feelings, the author illustrates a sense of solitude and the internalized nature of their disappointment. This is supported by the lines indicating that the author believes their parents would not understand their feelings: "I knew I would get little sympathy from my parents." Thus, the oxymoron effectively conveys a powerful image of silent suffering, encapsulating the tension between the desire to express oneself and the fear of being dismissed or misunderstood.
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