Final answer:
The simile in the provided quote shows Novinha's transition from a state of emotional darkness to one of surprising joy, indicating that she has been consumed by sorrow but is reminded of the existence of happiness through the laughter of others.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote “Hearing Miro and Ela laugh together was like the abrupt opening of a thick black curtain: suddenly it was daylight again, when Novinha had forgotten there was any season of the day but night” reveals that Novinha has been living in a state of emotional darkness and sorrow. The laughter of Miro and Ela represents a moment of joy and brightness that pierces through her gloom, reminding her that happiness does exist, even though she had been lost in her own despair. The simile of the “thick black curtain” suggests a powerful and oppressive force that has been keeping Novinha from experiencing the full spectrum of life, with the “daylight” signifying a return to a more hopeful and positive state of being.