Have you ever been watching a story and thought, “Wait, that solution came out of nowhere”? That feeling often stems from a literary device called Deus Ex Machina. It is a fascinating and sometimes frustrating technique that has been used for centuries. Let’s explore what it is, where it comes from, and how it impacts storytelling.
What is Deus Ex Machina?
Deus Ex Machina, Latin for “god from the machine,” is a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly and abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely intervention. This intervention could be a new character, ability, object, event, or force. It feels artificial because it does not arise organically from the story’s established elements. Think of it as a shortcut, a way to avoid the hard work of logical plotting.
A Simple Definition
In essence, Deus Ex Machina is an unexpected, artificial, or improbable device or character used to resolve a situation that seemed impossible to overcome. It feels forced rather than earned.
A Basic Example
Imagine a hero trapped in a dungeon with no escape. Suddenly, a giant eagle swoops down, rescues them, and carries them to safety. If there was no prior mention of giant eagles or any reason for one to be there, this is a classic Deus Ex Machina moment.
The Origins of the Term
The term originates from ancient Greek theatre. Playwrights often faced a challenge when a story reached an impasse. To resolve complicated plots, they would literally lower an actor playing a god onto the stage using a crane (the “machine”). This god would then deliver a speech explaining the resolution, often dictating the fates of the characters. Euripides, known for his innovative and sometimes controversial plays, frequently used this technique.
Why is Deus Ex Machina Used?
Historically, Deus Ex Machina was a practical solution for playwrights dealing with complex stories and limited stagecraft. They needed a way to wrap things up within the constraints of the medium. However, over time, it has evolved and often become a point of criticism.
Sometimes, writers might use Deus Ex Machina to:
- Resolve a story quickly when they’ve painted themselves into a corner.
- Introduce a thematic element or moral lesson abruptly.
- Surprise the audience with an unexpected twist, though often unsuccessfully.
Deus Ex Machina vs. Convenient Plot Devices
It is important to distinguish Deus Ex Machina from a convenient plot device. A convenient plot device, while perhaps a little improbable, is usually foreshadowed or consistent with the established world. Deus Ex Machina is far more jarring and it feels like a complete break from the story’s internal logic.
Example: A detective finding a crucial clue just as they are about to give up is a convenient plot device. Deus Ex Machina: The same detective suddenly gaining telepathic powers that allow them to instantly solve the case would be Deus Ex Machina.
Examples of Deus Ex Machina in Literature and Film
Let’s examine some examples to illustrate the concept further:
- Homer’s Iliad: The goddess Athena frequently intervenes to aid the Greeks, sometimes directly influencing events in ways that do not stem from the characters’ actions. While common for the time, modern readers often see these interventions as Deus Ex Machina.
- Lord of the Rings (potentially debated): The Eagles rescuing Frodo, Sam, and Gollum from Mount Doom is often cited. While the Eagles are established characters, the timing and ease of the rescue feel somewhat contrived to some readers, especially given the challenges faced throughout the journey.
- War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells: The Martians are defeated not by human ingenuity, but by Earthly bacteria to which they have no immunity. While scientifically plausible, this abrupt shift feels like a rather anticlimactic resolution after a prolonged struggle.
- Many Action Films: A hero surviving an explosion with only minor scratches, or a last-minute rescue by an unseen force, are common examples in action movies.
- Jurassic Park: The T‑Rex is distracted by the park’s security team, allowing the heroes to escape, which feels like a convenient resolution rather than an earned one.
Why is Deus Ex Machina Often Criticized?
While not always inherently bad, Deus Ex Machina is frequently criticized for several reasons:
- It undermines the story’s internal logic: It suggests that the characters’ actions do not truly matter, as any problem can be solved by an external force.
- It feels unsatisfying: The audience does not feel a sense of accomplishment because the solution was not earned through the characters’ efforts.
- It weakens the thematic impact: If a character does not overcome a challenge through their own choices, the story’s message about resilience or perseverance is diluted.
Can Deus Ex Machina Be Used Effectively?
Yes, but it is challenging. A skilled writer can use Deus Ex Machina sarcastically or subversively. For example, a story might acknowledge the absurdity of the intervention, turning it into a commentary on the nature of storytelling itself.
Example: A character desperately seeking help receives it from a completely ridiculous and unexpected source, a talking squirrel perhaps, but the story then focuses on the character’s reaction to this absurdity rather than the solution itself.
Avoiding Deus Ex Machina in Your Writing
Here are some tips:
- Foreshadowing: Plant clues and hints throughout the story that suggest the possibility of a future solution.
- Establish Rules: Create a consistent set of rules for your world and stick to them.
- Focus on Character Agency: Ensure that your characters are the driving force behind the plot.
- Raise the Stakes Gradually: Do not introduce impossible obstacles at the last minute.
- Think Through Consequences: Every action should have realistic consequences, creating a sense of cause and effect.
Conclusion
Deus Ex Machina is a powerful and potentially problematic literary device. While it can be used effectively in certain contexts, it is crucial to understand its origins, its pitfalls, and how to avoid relying on it as a crutch. By focusing on logical plotting, character agency, and foreshadowing, you can create stories that feel satisfying, believable, and truly resonant with your audience.