Final answer:
The phrase 'startled tear' in literature conveys a sudden and intense emotional reaction, combining an element of surprise with vulnerability, which serves to illustrate deep emotional disturbance or change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "startled tear" effectively conveys a sudden emotional response that is both surprising and intense. When used in a literary excerpt, such as the one from "Parsley", the term 'startled' suggests that the emergence of tears is unexpected and abrupt, indicating a strong and immediate emotional reaction by the character. The juxtaposition of 'startled', which is commonly associated with fear or shock, with the vulnerability of 'tear' heightens the impact of the phrase, illustrating a moment of acute sensitivity or emotional disturbance. This phrase is often employed to accentuate a character's emotional state in response to a significant event or realization, and can be a powerful tool in illustrating character development or foreshadowing a change in the story's direction.