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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 generally t...
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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.
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What is deus ex machina? Here’s a quick and simple definition: Some additional key details about deus ex machina: 1. Usually, but not always, a deus ex machina introduces a "happy ending" or peaceful resolution. 2. Generally speaking, deus ex machinais regarded as an easy—and therefore somewhat cheap—device for bringing about resolution in a plot. ...
Deus Ex Machina in Literature
The rule of thumb for plot twists in literature is that a reader should be surprised, but shouldn't say, "I don't believe it." According to convention, the action and characters should make the story's world feel completely real. Even so, some books—even highly-acclaimed novels—break free of that expectation for a specific effect.
Deus Ex Machina in Ancient Greek Drama
Deus ex machina appears often in ancient Greek plays. Its most notable user was Euripides, who most scholars believe pioneered the device. For the Greeks, deus ex machina was not an easy solution to a plot problem, nor an attempt to surprise and entertain the audience; deus ex machina, to Greek playwrights, was a device useful for imparting moral lessons. While contemporary readers might not find the resolutions to certain Greek plays "realistic," these endings were intended to suggest divine...
Deus Ex Machina in Film
As Deus ex machina is an improbable solution to an thorny problem, the device is commonly found in films that already have a fantasy element, such as superhero films. However, deus ex machina can be found in all types of film.
While deus ex machinaoriginated in ancient Greek plays, usually to imbue the work with spiritual and moral importance, the plot device has been expanded to serve many other purposes and functions: 1. Deus ex machinacan be surprising and exciting for readers or audiences, since shocking endings can make for compelling narratives. 2. When a writer fi...
The Dictionary Definition of Deus Ex Machina:A basic definition of the term, including etymology.Deus ex machina is a Latin term meaning 'god from the machine,' referring to a plot device where an unexpected power or event saves a seemingly hopeless situation, often through divine intervention.
Deus ex machina refers to conclusions that involve a divine intervention or other improbable events. Synonyms: Gimmick, Comedic conclusion, God in the machine, Happy coincidence, Divine intervention. Deus ex machina is a device used to easily resolve a plotline, usually involving a divine or implausible character.
The term 'deus ex machina' literally translates to 'god from the machine,' highlighting its origins in ancient theater where gods were introduced via mechanical devices. Euripides frequently employed deus ex machina in his plays, often to resolve complex plots or character dilemmas unexpectedly.
What is Deus Ex Machina? 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.
