Deus ex machina

Definition

Deus ex machina is a literary device where an unexpected power or event saves a seemingly hopeless situation, often introduced suddenly at the end of a story. This term connects to various aspects of Greek tragedy, particularly in how resolutions are crafted, revealing themes of fate and free will, emotional purification, and the mechanisms of theatrical presentation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'deus ex machina' literally translates to 'god from the machine,' highlighting its origins in ancient theater where gods were introduced via mechanical devices.
2. Euripides frequently employed deus ex machina in his plays, often to resolve complex plots or character dilemmas unexpectedly.
3. This device can sometimes be criticized for being a lazy plot resolution, undermining character development and thematic depth.
4. Deus ex machina serves to illustrate the tension between human agency and divine influence, emphasizing themes of fate and the unpredictability of life.
5. The use of this device often prompts intense emotional reactions from the audience, contributing to the cathartic experience that is central to Greek tragedy.

Review Questions

• How does the use of deus ex machina reflect on the themes of fate and free will in Greek tragedy?
  • The use of deus ex machina illustrates the complex relationship between fate and free will by introducing divine intervention at crucial moments. It can suggest that no matter how much characters strive against their predestined paths, ultimate control lies with higher powers. This reflects a belief that human efforts may be futile against predetermined fate, as characters' choices lead them to situations resolved only by unexpected external forces.
• Discuss how Euripides' employment of deus ex machina impacts character development and plot resolution in his plays.
  • Euripides' use of deus ex machina often provides abrupt resolutions that can hinder deeper character development, as characters may not undergo significant growth or change by facing their conflicts directly. Instead, their dilemmas are resolved through outside intervention, which can diminish the audience's connection to their struggles. This technique allows for inventive plot twists but raises questions about authenticity and realism in character arcs.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of deus ex machina as a narrative device in eliciting catharsis within the audience during a Greek tragedy.
  • Deus ex machina can be effective in eliciting catharsis by providing surprising resolutions that invoke strong emotional reactions. When characters are saved or condemned by unforeseen forces, it can amplify feelings of relief or despair among the audience. However, reliance on this device may also detract from a more gradual emotional build-up typical of tragedies, potentially undermining the audience's investment in the story's outcome and lessening the overall impact of the emotional release intended by Greek dramatists.

Related terms

Mechane: A crane used in ancient Greek theater to lower actors playing gods onto the stage, facilitating the use of divine intervention in the plot.

Fate: The predetermined course of events that is believed to be beyond human control, often contrasting with the choices made by characters in tragedies.

Catharsis: The emotional release or purification experienced by the audience through the dramatic unfolding of tragic events.