Lyrical Term - Deus Ex Machina

 

Lyrical Term

Deus Ex Machina 

"Deus ex machina" is a Latin term that translates to "god from the machine." It originated from ancient Greek and Roman theater, where it referred to the practice of using a machine to lower a god onto the stage to resolve the plot. This literary device is used to describe a sudden, unexpected, and improbable intervention that resolves the plot's complications, often without previous foreshadowing or logical progression.

In literature and drama, the deus ex machina can sometimes be seen as a way to conveniently wrap up a story that has become too complex to resolve through the characters' actions and decisions. While it can provide a dramatic or surprising twist, it is often criticized for being a sign of lazy writing or a lack of creativity, as it may undermine the story's internal logic and the characters' development.

 

Requirements of Deus Ex Machina

The use of a deus ex machina in a story typically involves the following elements:

Sudden Intervention: An unexpected event or character appears out of nowhere to resolve the conflict or complication in the plot.

External Solution: The resolution comes from outside the story's established logic and characters' abilities. It is not a result of the characters' actions or the narrative's progression.

Improbability: The intervention is often highly unlikely or implausible within the context of the story's world.

Immediate Resolution: The deus ex machina quickly resolves the main conflict, often wrapping up the story abruptly.

Lack of Foreshadowing: There is usually little to no prior hint or setup for the intervention, making it surprising to the audience.

While a deus ex machina can be a powerful tool for creating dramatic surprises, it is generally more effective when used sparingly and with careful consideration of its impact on the story's coherence and the audience's suspension of disbelief.

 

Deus Ex Machina Examples

 

Greek Mythology and Drama: In ancient Greek plays, gods often descended from the sky (using a crane or "machine") to resolve the story. For instance, in Euripides' play Medea, the character Medea is rescued by a chariot sent by the sun god Helios.

 

"The Lord of the Flies" by William Golding: At the end of the novel, the boys are rescued by a naval officer who arrives suddenly on the island, just as Ralph is about to be killed by the other boys. This unexpected rescue resolves the story abruptly.

 

"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien: When the hobbits are trapped on Mount Doom, the giant eagles arrive unexpectedly to save them from certain death after the destruction of the One Ring.

 

"The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells: The Martian invaders are ultimately defeated not by human efforts, but by bacteria and viruses to which they have no immunity, a sudden and unexpected resolution to the conflict.

 

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling: Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, appears in the Chamber of Secrets to bring Harry the Sorting Hat (containing the sword of Gryffindor) and heal his wounds with phoenix tears, providing an unexpected resolution to his dire situation.

 

"Jurassic Park" (film, directed by Steven Spielberg): At the climax of the film, the T-Rex appears out of nowhere to save the protagonists from the velociraptors, an intervention that resolves the immediate danger they are in.

 

These examples illustrate how deus ex machina can be used to create surprising and dramatic resolutions, but they also highlight the potential pitfalls of relying on such a device for plot resolution.

 

Function of Deus Ex Machina

The function of deus ex machina in storytelling can be understood through several key roles it plays:

 

Resolution of Conflict: It provides a swift and decisive resolution to complex and seemingly insurmountable conflicts, wrapping up the plot and bringing the story to a close.

 

Surprise and Drama: It can create a shocking or dramatic twist, adding an element of surprise for the audience, which can heighten emotional engagement.

 

Relief of Tension: In stories with intense or prolonged tension, a deus ex machina can offer relief, quickly diffusing dangerous or stressful situations for the characters and audience.

 

Thematic or Moral Message: It can be used to convey a higher power or fate intervening, suggesting themes of divine providence, fate, or the insignificance of human efforts in the face of greater forces.

 

Plot Convenience: Sometimes, it is employed as a narrative shortcut to resolve a plot that has become too tangled or complex, allowing the story to conclude without requiring additional development or explanation.

 

Highlighting Human Limitations: It can underscore the limitations of the characters, emphasizing that despite their efforts, they are not always in control of their destinies.

 

While deus ex machina can serve these functions effectively, it is often criticized for undermining the story's internal logic and the characters' development. Its use is typically more acceptable in genres and narratives where divine intervention or the influence of fate are central themes, such as in mythology, epic tales, and certain forms of fantasy.