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- DictionaryDe·us ex ma·chi·na/ˌdāəs ˌeks ˈmäkənə/
noun
- 1. an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, especially as a contrived plot device in a play or novel.
Deus ex machina ( / ˌdeɪəs ɛks ˈmækɪnə, ˈmɑːk -/ DAY-əs ex-MA (H)K-in-ə, [ 1] Latin: [ˈdɛ.ʊs ɛks ˈmaːkʰɪnaː]; plural: dei ex machina; English "god from the machine") [ 2][ 3] is a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly or abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. [ 4][ 5] Its function is gener...
Jul 10, 2024 · The New Latin term deus ex machina is a translation of a Greek phrase and means literally "a god from a machine." "Machine," in this case, refers to the crane that held a god over the stage in ancient Greek and Roman drama.
Aug 2, 2024 · Deus ex machina, a person or thing that appears or is introduced into a situation suddenly and unexpectedly and provides an artificial or contrived solution to an apparently insoluble difficulty. The term was first used in ancient Greek and Roman drama, where it meant the timely appearance of a god to resolve the plot.
DEUS EX MACHINA definition: 1. an unnatural or very unlikely end to a story or event, that solves or removes any problems too…. Learn more.
A deus ex machina is a plot device whereby an unsolvable conflict or point of tension is suddenly resolved by the unexpected appearance of an implausible character, object, action, ability, or event. For example, if a character fell off a cliff and a flying robot suddenly appeared out of nowhere to catch them, that would be a deus ex machina.
Nov 24, 2021 · Learn the meaning of deus ex machina and how it continues to function in today’s creative writing landscape. The deus ex machina device is generally regarded as a cheap way to insert an easy conclusion, but it can also function as a comedic device or add an element of surprise.
Deus ex machina (pronounced DAY-us ex MACK-in-uh) is Latin for “a god from the machine.” It’s when some new character, force, or event suddenly shows up to solve a seemingly hopeless situation. The effect is usually unexpected, and it’s often disappointing for audiences.
