Deus ex machina

Definition

Deus ex machina is a Latin term that translates to 'god from the machine,' referring to a plot device where a seemingly unsolvable problem is abruptly resolved by an unexpected intervention. This concept often appears in literature and drama, particularly in Shakespearean comedy, where it serves to bring about a resolution or reconciliation, often with the help of supernatural or unlikely elements. Its presence can highlight the themes of chance and fate, essential aspects of comedic storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Shakespearean comedies, deus ex machina often appears at the end of the play to resolve complex plotlines, like mistaken identities or romantic entanglements.
2. This device emphasizes the theme of unpredictability, showcasing how chance and external forces can alter characters' fates in humorous ways.
3. Notable examples of deus ex machina in Shakespeare include divine interventions or the sudden arrival of characters who provide solutions to conflicts.
4. The use of this device can create a sense of closure for the audience, allowing for a happy ending despite the chaos that preceded it.
5. While some critics view deus ex machina as a lazy narrative tool, it can also serve to highlight the absurdity of life and the whims of fortune.

Review Questions

• How does deus ex machina function within Shakespearean comedies to advance plot and character development?
  • Deus ex machina serves as a critical device in Shakespearean comedies by providing unexpected resolutions that propel the plot forward and resolve character conflicts. This technique often involves characters or forces that intervene at crucial moments, enabling misunderstandings or romantic entanglements to be cleared up. By introducing sudden solutions, Shakespeare not only brings about closure but also reinforces themes of chance and fate, allowing characters to find happiness in an unpredictable world.
• Discuss the implications of using deus ex machina as a narrative device in relation to audience expectations and storytelling conventions.
  • Using deus ex machina influences audience expectations by setting up situations where characters face insurmountable challenges, only to have their problems solved by improbable events or interventions. This can both delight and frustrate audiences; while they may appreciate the surprise ending, they might also feel that such resolutions undermine the character's agency or the story's coherence. Consequently, this device challenges conventional storytelling by suggesting that life's outcomes are sometimes dictated by luck or divine intervention rather than character decisions.
• Evaluate how the use of deus ex machina reflects broader themes present in Shakespearean comedy, particularly regarding fate and human agency.
  • The use of deus ex machina in Shakespearean comedies embodies broader themes related to fate and human agency by illustrating how external forces can drastically impact individual lives. It suggests that characters may not have full control over their destinies; instead, they navigate a world shaped by randomness and intervention. This interplay between chance and choice provides a rich commentary on the human condition, emphasizing how humor can arise from life's unpredictability while simultaneously critiquing the reliance on convenient resolutions to complex problems.

Related terms

Comic Resolution: The ending of a comedic narrative where conflicts are resolved in a lighthearted manner, often involving misunderstandings or mistaken identities.

Plot Twist: An unexpected development in a narrative that alters the direction of the story, which can create surprise and maintain audience engagement.

Farcical Elements: Aspects of comedy that exaggerate situations and characters for humorous effect, often leading to absurd conclusions or resolutions.