In this sentence, the use of an oxymoron on the part of Hemingway proves to be very effective for the readers. By saying, "Terribly bright", the author is conveys that the character's expression too bright to be good. He could have just as well said a "mischievous smile"; however, the oxymoron is indeed stronger language and draws the readers attention to those two words in the sentence. Using two words that contrast each other force the reader to read the context around the phrase in order to dig deeper and find the author's true intent in using such diction. In this particular case, using two opposite words shows how duplicitous Frances is in her ways. She knows she has an audience and is going to take full advantage of the opportunity to rat on Robert.
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