Life in the Iron Mills: Irony 1 key example

In this scene, Kirby, Dr. May, and Mitchell have acknowledged that Hugh’s statue is of artistic interest, and Dr. May has encouraged him to pursue some kind of further work in art or social leadership. When Hugh agrees and asks for help, however, the doctor turns him down, to which Mitchell reacts in this unkind way. The (slightly mistranslated) allusion to the Latin phrase "De profundis clamavi”—which translates to "Out of the depths I have cried”—is a reference to Psalm 130 from the Bible. Mitchell's use of this phrase is mean-spirited: he’s invoking a solemn and traditionally religious expression to make fun of the awful situation Hugh is in. The Latin phrase is often associated with prayers for the dead or expressions of deep sorrow, which adds insult to injury here given that Mitchell is using it to belittle Hugh's suffering.

The verbal irony in Mitchell's statement comes from the opposition between what he says and what he means. If he was seriously quoting Psalm 130 he would be implying that Hugh is experiencing a form of spiritual starvation, in addition to the physical needs that keep him trapped at the mill. However, Mitchell's tone and context suggest that he doesn’t genuinely believe Hugh's soul is in distress. Rather, he is using this expression to mock the seriousness of Hugh's condition. By quoting the Bible in this way, Mitchell is being cruelly ironic, as he uses religious language to trivialize Hugh’s real suffering and embarrassment.