"Deus Ex Machina" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples
"Deus Ex Machina" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
"Deus Ex Machina" Meaning
A deus ex machina is a plot device that is used to resolve the conflicts in a story by introducing a new character, event, or object from outside the narrative that is not adequately motivated or explained within the story itself. The term "deus ex machina" is Latin for "god from the machine," and it comes from ancient Greek theater, where actors portraying gods would be lowered onto the stage from above to resolve conflicts in tragic plays.
In modern storytelling, a deus ex machina is often criticized for being an unsatisfying and unearned resolution to a plot. It can feel like a cheating or lazy way to wrap up the story, as it contradicts the internal logic of the narrative and doesn't provide a sense of closure or justice for the characters.
For example, if a hero is struggling to defeat the villain in a battle, but then a magical artifact suddenly appears out of nowhere to help the hero win, this would be a deus ex machina. The artifact's introduction would not be motivated by the events of the story, and it would feel like an unsatisfying and unearned solution to the conflict.
"Deus Ex Machina" Examples
Deus Ex Machina
A deus ex machina is a plot device in which a sudden, unexpected event or character is introduced to resolve the conflict or advance the plot. Here are five examples of its usage:
The twist ending, where the protagonist discovers they are actually a robot, felt like a deus ex machina, as it came out of nowhere and changed everything. (Movie Review)
The sudden appearance of the Messiah character was a deus ex machina move by the writers, as it undermined the character development and plot momentum. (onthelateflaw(">Fandom Thread/))
In the novel, the deus ex machina device allowed the protagonist to escape the prison camp, but readers felt cheated by the unrealistic turn of events. (Book Review)
It's often criticized in literature when a deus ex machina is used to resolve the conflict without any genuine character growth or development. (Literary Criticism)
To avoid a deus ex machina, writers should ensure that any sudden twists or revelations are seeded earlier in the story to maintain narrative coherence. (Writing Tips)
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