Meaning of “Deus Ex Machina”
“Deus Ex Machina” refers to a situation in a plot where a protagonist seems to be trapped in a situation from which there is no escape, and then a new character, event or situation comes along to get the protagonist out of the jam. This is a new character, event or an object that appears in the plot rather late in the story and has no forewarning. The purpose is to solve the conflict of the story. The term is usually used pejoratively to suggest that the solution or the ending is artificial or contrived.
For example, in a story, the main character is in a very serious and dangerous situation with no means of getting out of it; then the Deus Ex Machina may appear in the form of a divine force that resolves everything. This resolution, however, often feels rather contrived and unearned since it does not grow from the other aspects of the story narrative.
Even though Deus Ex Machina is employed intentionally to express the concepts of fate, divine intervention, or the arbitrariness of life. When utilized improperly, it can dull the narrative’s tension and the viewers’ interest in the characters and their conflicts.
Origin of Deus Ex Machina
The term ‘deus ex machina’ has been originated from the Greek and Roman theater. It is related to actors dressed as gods hoisted on to the stage by a crane or other mechanical device to untangle the plot of a play. This was something that was employed when the writer had placed the characters of the story into a particular predicament and had no way of effectively wrapping up the story.
The technique of using an unlikely divine character coming in to solve the problem by force was termed as ‘deus ex machina’ which is a criticism of the use of artificial plot solution. According to Aristotle, the use of deus ex machina is rather unartistic and inelegant when used to excess in the theatre. However, it was continued as a convenient means of writers to get out of the complicated situations in the plot.
In the course of time, the definition of deus ex machina went beyond the theatrical context and began to refer to an event, which is unexpected, or unlikely, or chance, that is used to bring about a resolution. Today, it is employed pejoratively for any contrived and last minute plot twist, character or episode which the author uses to untangle a seemingly intractable situation.
Use of “Deus Ex Machina” in Literature
The employment of Deus Ex Machina has been applauded and also condemned depending on how it was incorporated in the course of the literary work. Some authors have employed this device to discuss the issues of fate, divine providence, and the degree of human control over one’s destiny; some others have had no other way to tie a knot of an exceedingly tangled narrative. Below, we dwell upon several examples of the usage of Deus Ex Machina in literature together with the commentary on its importance in each case.
Example#1
“Medea” by Euripides
One of the most famous examples of ‘Deus Ex Machina’ in the ancient Greek tragedy is the play ‘Medea’ written by Euripides. The theme of the play is a drama of Medea, the woman who kills her children to avenge her husband’s infidelity. In the final scenes of this play, Medea is left helpless and with nowhere to turn in order to elude the consequences of her actions.
“And so, in her darkest hour, when all seemed lost, the chariot of Helios descended from the heavens, and Medea, carried by divine grace, escaped the mortal chains that sought to bind her.”
In this passage, emergence of the god Helios and his chariot in the middle of the play is a clear representation of Deus Ex Machina. The intervention of gods and the capability for Medea to avoid being punished form a very hasty end to the play. Though this ending may appear less satisfying according to contemporary Western criteria, it is quite appropriate according to ancient Greek paradigm which presupposes the gods’ direct participation in mortal’s lives and the concept of divine providence triumphing human justice.
Deus Ex Machina in the play “Medea” by Euripides creates a constant conflict between the humanity and Gods thereby making the audiences question whether it is fair if the gods had formulated the results of humanity. It also helps to underline Medea’s divine origin, thus strengthening the idea of her supernatural agency.
Example#2
“The Odyssey” by Homer
Another example of classical literature where Deus Ex Machina is used albeit more tactfully and intricately is Homer’s “The Odyssey”. The plot of the epic poem is the simple story of the hero Odysseus trying to reach home after the battle of Troy and the difficulties he has to go through. As is evident through out the story, the gods have an immense influence on the destiny of characters especially Odysseus.
“As the ship approached the whirlpool, certain doom seemed inevitable. But then, by the will of the gods, the seas calmed, and the vessel was gently carried away from the maelstrom, saved from destruction by divine favor.”
In this passage, the arrival of the gods can also be considered as the element of Deus Ex Machina which helps Odysseus and his companions to escape the terrible situation. Of course, the gods’ interference in story is quite traditional for ancient Greek perspective, but, nevertheless, it supports the view on the fact that people’s lives are determined by higher powers they cannot influence.
Deus Ex Machina in homers ‘Odyssey’ reemphasizes on the aspects of faith, destiny and the amount of control humans have. It is by such interferences that the actions of the characters and the viewers are constantly being told that the results of man’s activities are being controlled and dictated by the gods.
Example#3
“The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s play, “The Tempest” which was written in 1611 can be seen as a play of power, forgiveness, and atonement. Some of the major characters in the play include Prospero, the Duke of Milan, who has been cast away on a distant island due to the conspiracy of his treacherous brother and the help of a witch. In the play, Prospero manipulates the actions in the island, using his power derived from magic to ensure that matters are resolved as to contain the conflicts arising from the main characters.
“With a wave of his hand, Prospero dispelled the storm and brought calm to the island, his magical powers serving as the final arbiter of the fates of those who had wronged him.”
In this passage, the way Prospero resolves the conflicts of the play using magic can be considered as a type of Deus Ex Machina since he has the power and desired means to affect the play’s outcome. However, in Shakespeare’s case, this device is considerably more nuanced than a plot device. Magic in the play is closely related to the ideas of power and domination, and Prospero’s renouncing of his powers signifies forgiveness and reunion
The usage of Deus Ex Machina is seen in the play in the light of the play’s themes of redemption as well as the theme of relinquishing power. It can also be focused on the fact that Shakespeare underlines the possibility of new start and forgiving through the solution of the conflicts by Prospero’s magic.
Example#4
“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” (1954) is a novel whose plot pertains to a group of boys stuck on a remote island and consequent regression from the state of civilization to barbarity. As the boys’ society continues to disintegrate into savagery the plot gradually escalates to a highly suspenseful and quite frightening conclusion.
“Just as the flames threatened to consume the island, and the boys’ descent into madness seemed irreversible, a naval officer appeared on the beach, bringing an end to their savage game and offering a return to the civilized world.”
At the end of ‘Lord of the Flies’ this character of a naval officer can be seen as the Deus Ex Machina for the boys as they return to civilization and ultimately, the story has an ending it otherwise would not have had. The appearance of the police officer is dramatic, and there is no previous mention of his presence on the island, which creates contrast amid the escalation of violence.
Deus ex machina in the context of Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” can be perceived as the author’s criticism and reflection on the instability of the civilizing process. The arrival of the officer brings back law and order but also questions the thin line between civilization and savageness. The device is used to emphasize on the novel’s themes of self-society and the ability to juxtapose a civilized society and savageness.
Example#5
“The Return of the King” by J.R.R. Tolkien
One of the most evident cases of Deus ex machina in the contemporary literature can be observed in J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Return of the King’ (1955) that is the third volume of ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ This is evident at the end of the story, where the forces of good and evil led by Gandalf and Aragorn respectively fight the powerful and deadly Sauron.
“When all hope seemed lost, and the armies of Sauron closed in on the last defenders of Gondor, the eagles swooped down from the sky, turning the tide of battle and delivering victory to the forces of good.”
The eagles coming into the Battle of the Black Gate at the end also represents an example of Deus Ex Machina, an unexpected and sudden savior who comes in to save the day at the last moment. The colony of eagles, which have been introduced as scouts that appear at critical places in early parts of the story, again assume the part of saviors and the heroes are saved from near destruction.
From the perspective of the creator, Tolkien effectively employs the Deus Ex Machina in “The Return of the King” with great purpose. The eagles are normally seen as omens of divine judgement or destiny, meaning that there are things in the world which cannot be changed. Their looks remind of hope, divine providence and the victory of light over darkness at the time when it is getting dark.
Use of Phrase “Deus Ex Machina” in Modern Contexts
Even today, the phrase ‘Deus Ex Machina’ is used in contemporary contexts and not only in the field of literature but also in films, TV shows, and other media. It has been abused and often vilified when employed haphazardly, but it can be a powerful storytelling tool when used purposefully as part of a thematic message.
In Film and Television
In films and television works, Deus Ex Machina often comes to explain loose ends and knots or to give the audience a grand finale. However, it can be received with certain disappointment from the viewers and critics who may perceive that happy ending to be rather forced or unearned. For instance in a thriller or action movie a hero can be saved at the final sight by certain unpredictable instance like the arrival of a rescue squad or the appearance of a secret exit.
In Video Games
Deus ex machina is usually a powerful entity in video games that can manifest in such ways as being a sudden boost, enemies turning into friends, or a plot twist that provides a player with extraordinary means to beat an otherwise unbeatable adversary. This can enhance the element of surprise and novelty that will make the game interesting but on the same note this will anger players who would like to overcome levels through skill and intelligence rather than outside help.
See also: Examples of strait and narrow
In Popular Culture
Deus Ex Machina is among the common idioms usually employed to portray the criticism of convenient plots in a given story. It is a term that, often appears in reviews, discussions, and analyses when evaluating the climax of a movie, a book, or any other kind of media.
Example Sentences of “Deus Ex Machina”
- The villain’s sudden change of heart at the end of the film felt like an unbelievable deus ex machina merely to wrap things up.
- The unlikely inheritance left to the protagonist served as a clumsy deus ex machina to resolve the financial crisis in the novel.
- Fans criticized the TV finale for relying on a far-fetched deus ex machina of a previously unintroduced magical orb saving the kingdom.
- The detective novel was plodding along nicely until the deus ex machina of the murderer’s identical twin confession.
- The new evidence suddenly discovered right before the trial was an obvious deus ex machina by the desperate defense team.
- The shipwrecked man being rescued in the last chapter by a random passing boat felt like a cop-out deus ex machina plot device.
- Aristotle believed the deus ex machina convention of Greek theater reflected lazy writing and cheapened the storytelling.
- Modern audiences expect more sophisticated narrative techniques rather than unrealistic deus ex machina endings.
- The author’s unexpected relapse and recovery ended up being an autobiographical deus ex machina giving the novel closure.
- The clue randomly appearing in the last pages to crack the mystery was an eye-rolling deus ex machina.
