1. A sentence that reveals something important: This interpretation focuses on the impact of the sentence, highlighting its ability to reveal something significant, whether it be a character's motivation, a plot twist, or a deeper truth about the world.
2. A sentence that is particularly effective or memorable: This interpretation focuses on the quality of the sentence itself. A telling sentence might be striking, evocative, or memorable, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
3. A sentence that summarizes a key point: This interpretation emphasizes the concise nature of the sentence. A telling sentence might act as a summary of an argument, a character's point of view, or a crucial event.
4. A sentence that conveys emotion or feeling: This interpretation emphasizes the emotional impact of the sentence. A telling sentence might be filled with passion, despair, or joy, conveying a strong emotional message to the reader.
Examples:
* "The old man's eyes, though cloudy with age, still held a spark of defiance." This sentence could be considered telling because it reveals the old man's character and attitude, suggesting he's not ready to give up despite his age.
* "The silence was deafening." This sentence is telling because it uses figurative language to convey a powerful sense of tension and anticipation.
* "The war was over, but the fighting had just begun." This sentence is telling because it summarizes the aftermath of a conflict and hints at future struggles.
* "She cried, tears streaming down her face, unable to hold back the grief." This sentence is telling because it uses strong imagery and emotional language to convey the character's overwhelming sadness.
Ultimately, the meaning of "telling sentence" depends on the specific context and the intended effect.