Deus Ex Machina: Definition & Examples

The term “deus ex machina” is Latin for “god from the machine.” It originated in ancient Greek theatre, where gods would be lowered onto the stage using a crane (the “machine”) to resolve the plot. When the playwright couldn’t find a way out of a tangled story, they’d literally bring in a god to set everything right. It was like hitting the reset button — suddenly, all the characters’ problems vanished, thanks to divine intervention.

What exactly is deus ex machina in storytelling today?

Deus ex machina has evolved to describe any surprising, often improbable, event or character that abruptly resolves the story’s conflict. Whether it’s a long-lost relative showing up with a crucial piece of information, a last-minute rescue by a previously unmentioned ally, or an inexplicable turn of events, it’s that moment where you, the audience, might think, “Well, that was convenient…”

Why do writers use deus ex machina?

Writers sometimes run into problems when they’ve built up so much tension and complexity that they can’t resolve it naturally. There may be an unbeatable opponent or a plot so complicated it seems impossible to untangle. Deus ex machina serves as a quick fix to situations like these, providing characters with an easy escape and a swift conclusion.

Although deus ex machina can be effective, it often weakens the story. Characters often feel as if they haven’t earned their victory when everything is resolved too easily. After all, where’s the satisfaction in watching a hero overcome obstacles if they’re swept away by sheer luck or divine intervention?

FAQs

1. Is “deus ex machina” a bad thing in a story?

Not necessarily. While some critics view it as a lazy way to resolve a plot, it can be effective if used thoughtfully, especially in stories with a mythological or fantastical context. However, overuse or poor execution can leave readers feeling unsatisfied.

2. Can you give an example of deus ex machina?

A classic example is in Homer’s The Odyssey, where the gods intervene to ensure Odysseus’s return home. A more modern example is in The Lord of the Rings when the eagles rescue the characters at the story’s climax. Both are instances where an external force resolves the central conflict.

3. Is deus ex machina considered a literary device?

Yes, deus ex machina is a literary device. It’s used to describe a specific kind of plot resolution, and while it has its critics, it’s an established part of storytelling history.

4. What are some alternatives to using deus ex machina?

Writers can foreshadow solutions to problems earlier in the story, allowing the characters to resolve conflicts through their own actions and decisions. Building on the characters’ development and the story’s internal logic tends to create more satisfying conclusions.

5. Can deus ex machina be used effectively?

Yes, when used deliberately and thoughtfully, deus ex machina can enhance a story, particularly if it aligns with the story’s themes or genre. For example, in mythological tales or stories with a heavy emphasis on fate, a deus ex machina might feel more natural.