Deus Ex Machina - Academic Mode

Definition of Deus Ex Machina
The term deus ex machina refers to the circumstance in which an unlikely concept or a divine character is introduced into a story, in order to resolve its conflict and obtain an interesting result.

The use is discouraged de deus ex machina, as the reason why its presence within a plot is seen as a sign of a poorly structured plot. The explanation critics provide for this point of view is that the writer's sudden resort to random, excruciating, incredible twists for the purpose of getting an ending highlights the inherent shortcomings of the plot. Therefore, deus ex machina is a rather debatable, and often criticized, form of literary device.

The term is in Latin for "god outside the machine", and has its origins in ancient Greek. It denotes scenes in which a crane (machine) was used to lower actors or statues representing a god or gods (deus) on stage to fix things, usually near the end of the play. 40 a4
Deus Ex Machina Requirements
Deus ex machinas are solutions, they should not be seen as unexpected plot twists that end up making things worse, nor as something that contributes to change the understanding of history. proved that the problem solved by a deus ex machina is unsolvable or hopeless.

It is also that they are sudden or unexpected. This means that deus ex machina's inherent ability to solve the mystery is not apparent until such time as the device is actually employed to provide a viable ending to the plot. However, if some other type of intervention, such as common sense, could have been employed to achieve the same result, no matter how sudden the solution is, it would not qualify as deus ex machina.

Euripides was one of the most prominent users of deus ex machina. Some scholars believe that he was the first writer to employ His work is often criticized for the way he structured his plots and for his underlying ideas.

Deus Ex Machina Examples
Example # 1: Medea (by Euripides)
When Medea is shown in the chariot of the sun god Helios, the god himself is not present. From her point of view in the car, she watches the grieving Jason. The argument is that this specific scene is an illustration of the use of the device deus ex machina with In the plot of the tragedy

Example # 2: Hippolytus (by Euripides)
There are three deities present in this work: the jealous Aphrodite, Artemis, object of the the affection of Hippolytus, and the vengeful Poseidon; however, it is only Artemis who appears She explains to Theseus that Hippolytus was innocent all along and that it was Aphrodite who sinned and caused all the grief. Artemis also promises to destroy every man Aphrodite ever loves.

Example 3: Andromache (by Euripides)
game, Thetis, the sea goddess, appears to Peleus. She's coming to take Peleus home with her. The game ends with Peleus going into the ocean with Thetis, his wife, when Helen and Menelaus trick him and run away together. As a result, he tries to murder his sister for not telling him that Menelaus is not dead. The demigods Castor and Polydeuces - Helen's brothers and sons of Zeus and Leda - appear amazingly interrupted.

Example 5: Orestes (by Euripides)
Apollo appears on the stage to put things right. Apollo clarifies the situation by informing the characters (and the audience) that Helen has been placed under the stars and that Menela should return to Sparta. He also orders Orestes to travel to Athens to be tried in his court and assures him of his subsequent acquittal. Furthermore, Apollo states that Orestes will marry Hermione, and that Pylades and Electra will also marry.

Role of Deus Ex Machina
The Deus ex machina tool remains popular even today, and is used in movies, novels, and short stories. modern; however, the term's scope has been effectively broadened to present it as a multi-faceted tool.

It can be used for the purpose of moving a story. forward, or when the writer has "gone into a corner" and finds no other way out. He uses it to surprise the audience, to bring a happy ending to the story, or as a comic device.