It refers to the sudden and unexpected introduction of an outside force, often improbable or seemingly miraculous, to resolve a seemingly insurmountable problem in the story.
This theatrical device dates back to the plays of Aeschylus (c. 525–c. 456 BC) and is particularly associated with those of Euripides (c. 484–406 BC), where a mechanical device was used to lower gods or goddesses onto the stage to resolve a seemingly unsolvable situation, delivering the characters from a dramatic impasse.
In the narratives of Greek plays, the deus ex machina was a convenient and divine intervention that ensured a story concluded with the restoration of order, typically aligning with the moral expectations of the audience.
This mechanism allowed the playwright to bring about a sudden and unexpected resolution to the conflict within the tale.
Over time, the use of deus ex machina expanded beyond the literal machinery of the theatre. It came to represent any artificial or improbable device or event in a story that resolves situations suddenly.
As such, it can be seen both as a plot device in literature and as a commentary on the intervention of divinity or fate in human affairs.
In modern narratives, it often carries a negative connotation, as it can be perceived as a sign of a poorly constructed plot, where the writer has not managed to solve the story’s conflicts in a natural and organic manner.
Deus ex machina, when done poorly, undermines the story’s internal logic and diminishes the impact of the characters’ decisions and the narrative’s credibility.
What is the function of deus ex machina?
When used judiciously, this plot device can still be impactful.
It can reflect fate and destiny, or explore philosophical and theological concepts, by elevating the plot to a metaphysical plane.
Deus ex machina is a bona fide technique for when you need to resolve an irresolvable situation, surprise the audience and bring the story to a desired ending (which typically means happy when this technique is employed).
It can also act as a comedic device, and deus ex machina is less criticised when used in comedy or satire than in other forms of storytelling, because they’re more impervious to losing suspension of disbelief.
Examples of deus ex machina in storytelling.
From the sudden arrival of the cavalry in a Western that saves the day or a character miraculously recovering from a fatal wound or even a convenient plot device that solves the mystery in a detective story, deus ex machina comes in many forms.
- “The Lord of the Rings”: While some argue it serves a thematic purpose, the eagles rescuing Frodo and Sam from Mordor at the last minute can be seen as a deus ex machina. They weren’t previously established as a solution, leaving some readers feeling the conflict wasn’t fully earned.
- “War of the Worlds”: The Martians are unexpectedly wiped out by Earth’s common bacteria. This convenient and unexplained resolution, while satisfying, feels unearned given the Martians’ previously unstoppable portrayal.
- “Medea” by Euripides: In this Greek tragedy, the sun god Helios intervenes with a magical chariot to whisk Medea away from her crimes, offering an escape that feels unearned and undermines the weight of her actions.
- “As You Like It” by Shakespeare: Hymen, the god of marriage, suddenly appears to resolve the play’s romantic entanglements in a way that feels convenient and unearned, given the complexity of the relationships.
- “Lord of the Flies”: The sudden arrival of a naval officer rescues the boys stranded on the island, abruptly ending the story without fully exploring the potential consequences of their actions.
Even Batman’s utility belt can be seen as a deus ex machina device.
While his gadgets are expected, some argue that a conveniently specific tool appearing just in time to save the day can undermine the tension and Batman’s own skills.
The effectiveness of a deus ex machina really depends on the context and its execution. Overuse will most certainly be jarring and make the story feel poorly crafted.
Deus ex machina can pull readers out of the story if the solution feels unearned and contradicts established rules. It can also reduce character growth, by taking agency away from the characters, it weakens their development and impact.
Tips for using deus ex machina.
- Use it sparingly: Overuse can make your writing feel contrived and undermine reader investment.
- Foreshadow subtly: Hints and clues, even subtle ones, can make the intervention feel less random.
- Connect it to themes: If it reinforces the story’s message or symbolism, it might be more accepted.
- Consider genre expectations: It’s more tolerated in fantasy or humour, where fantastical elements are expected, but keep it within reason.
- Focus on impact: Ensure the intervention has a significant impact on the story and characters, not just a quick fix.
Alternatives to deus ex machina:
- Character development: Let the characters face the conflict and find a solution using their skills and resourcefulness, rather than have some outside force swoop in and do it for them.
- Unexpected consequences: Explore unintended outcomes of previous actions, creating new challenges and solutions.
- Creative problem-solving: Have the characters think outside the box and come up with a clever solution within the established rules.
Remember, the key is to use it thoughtfully and sparingly, ensuring it serves the story and doesn’t undermine reader engagement. If you’re unsure, explore alternative solutions that feel more organic and earned within your narrative.
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