April 21, 2023 - English Studies

Etymology of Deus Ex Machina

The origin of the term “Deus Ex Machina” finds its history traced back to ancient Greek theater, where a mechanical device known as “mechane” used to lower actors portraying gods onto the stage. The term is derived from Latin, with “machina” being the Latin word for machine. Therefore, the term translates into “god from the machine.”

Meaning of Deus Ex Machina

In literature, “Deus Ex Machina” refers to a plot device where an unexpected, seemingly miraculous event or character is introduced to resolve a seemingly impossible situation. This device is often criticized for being contrived or unrealistic, as it feels like the author is taking an easy way out of a difficult plot. However, when used effectively, a Deus Ex Machina can be a powerful tool for creating a satisfying resolution to a complex story.

Deus Ex Machina in Grammar

In grammar, “Deus Ex Machina” is a Latin phrase that functions as a singular noun in English. Therefore, the plural form of the noun is “Deus Ex Machinae.” As a singular noun, it takes singular verbs, and as a plural noun, it takes plural verbs. However, in common usage, the term is often used as a collective noun, and the singular form is more commonly used even when referring to multiple instances.

Definition of Term Deus Ex Machina

Deus ex machina is a literary device used in plots in epics, stories, novels, plays and and theater where a apparently unsolvable problem suddenly and unexpectedly resolves through an intervention from an external force or character. The term literally means “god from the machine” in Latin, and refers to a theatrical device where a god would be lowered onto the stage by a crane to resolve the plot.

Types:

There are several types of Deus Ex Machina that can be used in literature, including:

Divine Intervention: This involves the direct involvement of a god or supernatural being to resolve a plot or conflict.

Coincidence: This involves an unlikely occurrence that happens to benefit the protagonist or resolve a conflict, often without any real explanation.
Contrivance: This involves the sudden introduction of a new element or character that conveniently resolves a plot or conflict, often without proper development or explanation.
Unexpected Power: This involves the protagonist suddenly discovering a new power or ability that helps them overcome a seemingly impossible situation.

Irony: This involves the unexpected outcome of a situation that is contrary to what was expected, often in a humorous or satirical way.

Common Examples:

Here are some common examples of Deus Ex Machina in literature and media:

In the Greek play “Medea,” the titular character is about to be captured by her enemies when she is saved by the appearance of a chariot sent by the sun god, Helios.

In the novel “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells, the invading aliens are ultimately defeated by bacteria that they have no immunity to, which is an unexpected and convenient solution to the conflict.
In the TV series “Lost,” the characters are saved from a seemingly impossible situation by the sudden appearance of a previously unknown group of characters with a helicopter.
In the movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” the main character Frodo is saved from the brink of destruction by the sudden appearance of the giant eagles, who conveniently swoop in to save the day.

In the play “The Birds” by Aristophanes, the main characters are saved from danger by the intervention of the birds, who provide them with a safe haven.

While these examples can be effective in resolving conflicts, they can also be criticized for being contrived or unrealistic. It is important to use Deus Ex Machina sparingly and with careful consideration to ensure that it feels satisfying and not forced.

Literary Examples:

The Iliad by Homer: In the epic poem, Achilles is about to kill Hector when the god Apollo intervenes and helps Hector escape. This is an example of Divine Intervention, where the gods directly intervene to change the outcome of the conflict.

“Then Phoebus Apollo, angered at his heart against him, addressed to him winged words: “Hector, why dost thou await Achilles’ onset, forgetting thy task of impelling thy men on to fight in defence of thy city?’“ (Book 22, lines 100-103)

Macbeth by William Shakespeare: In the play, Macduff is able to kill Macbeth because he was “not born of woman,” as he was born via Caesarean section. This is an example of an Unexpected Power, where a previously unknown or unanticipated power is introduced to resolve the conflict.

“Despair thy charm, And let the angel whom thou still hast served Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb Untimely ripp’d.” (Act 5, Scene 8, lines 19-22)

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: In the novel, Frodo and Sam are saved from the erupting Mount Doom by the sudden appearance of the giant eagles. This is an example of Contrivance, where a previously unknown or unexplained element is introduced to conveniently resolve the conflict.

“There came Gwaihir the Windlord, and Landroval his brother, greatest of all the Eagles of the North, mightiest of the descendants of old Thorondor, who built his eyries in the inaccessible peaks of the Encircling Mountains when Middle-earth was young.” (Book 6, Chapter 3, “Mount Doom”)

The Odyssey by Homer: In the epic poem, Odysseus is about to be killed by the suitors when his son Telemachus and a few loyal servants suddenly appear to help him. This is an example of Coincidence, where an unlikely occurrence conveniently resolves the conflict.

“Then, as they talked, Telemachus’ men brought in the armour that was in the house, and put it in the porch. They also brought wood for the fire, and set it on the hearth; moreover, they brought sheep and oxen and the fatlings of pigs, and set them up as a feast for the suitors.” (Book 16, lines 328-332)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: In the novel, Katniss and Peeta are about to be killed by the mutated muttations when they are suddenly saved by the appearance of Cato, who is also being attacked by the muttations. This is an example of Coincidence, where an unlikely occurrence conveniently resolves the conflict.

“Just as I’m about to give up, I hear a hissing from the Cornucopia. It takes a moment to recognize it as Cato’s voice. ‘Katniss,’ he says. ‘I’m coming, too. You’re not leaving me alone with these mutts.’“ (Chapter 27)

How to Create Deus Ex Machina in Works

Establish the rules of your story’s universe: Before introducing a Deus Ex Machina, make sure you have established the rules and limitations of your story’s universe. This will help you avoid introducing elements that feel out of place or inconsistent with the story’s established world.
Foreshadow the solution: If you do plan to use a Deus Ex Machina, it’s important to foreshadow the solution in some way. This can be done through subtle hints, character dialogue, or other narrative devices. By foreshadowing the solution, you can make it feel less contrived when it is introduced.
Use it sparingly: Deus Ex Machina should be used sparingly and thoughtfully in your writing. Overusing it can make your story feel predictable, unrealistic, and unsatisfying to readers.

Make it feel organic: When introducing a Deus Ex Machina, try to make it feel organic to the story. This means introducing it in a way that makes sense within the narrative and doesn’t feel forced or out of place.
Have a good reason for using it: Finally, make sure you have a good reason for using a Deus Ex Machina. It should serve a clear narrative purpose and help to move the story forward in a meaningful way.

Benefits:

Surprise and excitement: A well-executed Deus Ex Machina can be a surprising and exciting twist that keeps readers engaged and interested in the story.

Conflict resolution: When used sparingly and thoughtfully, Deus Ex Machina can help to resolve conflicts in the story and provide a satisfying resolution for readers.
Symbolic meaning: A Deus Ex Machina can be used to convey a symbolic meaning or message in the story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Empowerment of characters: Introducing a Deus Ex Machina can empower characters and give them agency in the story, as they may be able to use the unexpected element to their advantage.

Creation of memorable moments: A well-crafted Deus Ex Machina can create a memorable moment in the story that readers will remember long after they have finished reading.

Deus Ex Machina and Literary Theory

Here are some ways in which Deus Ex Machina can be analyzed through literary theories:

Structuralism: Structuralism emphasizes the underlying structures that shape the meaning of a text. In the case of Deus Ex Machina, structuralists might analyze the role of the unexpected element in the story’s structure, and how it shapes the narrative and themes of the text.

Post-structuralism: Post-structuralism challenges the idea that there is a fixed meaning in a text. Post-structuralists might analyze the use of Deus Ex Machina as a way of disrupting or subverting traditional narrative structures, and how this can create new and unexpected meanings.
Reader-response theory: Reader-response theory emphasizes the role of the reader in creating meaning from a text. Readers might interpret the use of Deus Ex Machina in different ways, based on their own experiences and perspectives.
Feminist theory: Feminist theory examines how gender roles and power dynamics are represented in literature. Feminist critics might analyze the use of Deus Ex Machina as a way of reinforcing or challenging traditional gender roles or power structures in the story.

Marxist theory: Marxist theory examines how class and economic structures shape society and culture. Marxist critics might analyze the use of Deus Ex Machina as a way of reinforcing or challenging dominant economic or social structures in the story.

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Day: April 21, 2023

Deus Ex Machina