Definition:
Deus ex machina, a Latin phrase meaning “god from the machine,” refers to a narrative device or plot device in storytelling where a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly and abruptly resolved by an unexpected and often improbable intervention. This intervention is typically brought about by a character, event, or force that appears out of nowhere, serving as a convenient solution to the conflict at hand.
Features:
Unexpected Resolution: The hallmark of deus ex machina is the sudden and unexpected resolution of a complex or seemingly impossible situation. This resolution is often introduced in the latter part of a story.
External Intervention: The resolution is usually external to the established plot and characters. It involves an external force or element that hasn’t been adequately foreshadowed or developed throughout the narrative.
Convenience: Deus ex machina is often criticized for its convenient nature, as it can feel forced and contrived. It may give the impression that the author couldn’t find a plausible or satisfying way to conclude the story organically.
Absence of Setup: Unlike a well-developed plot twist or resolution, deus ex machina lacks proper setup or groundwork within the narrative. It appears to come out of nowhere, leaving the audience with a sense of disbelief.
Examples:
1. “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens (1861): In the conclusion of the novel, Pip suddenly comes into a large fortune from an unknown benefactor, changing his social status and resolving many of the conflicts in the story. The revelation of his mysterious benefactor is somewhat unexpected and could be considered a deus ex machina.
2. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte (1847): In the novel’s climax, Mr. Rochester’s marriage to Bertha is abruptly resolved by a convenient fire that leaves him blind and maimed. This event clears the path for Jane and Rochester to be together, and some critics argue that it represents a form of deus ex machina.
3. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare (c. 1595/96): The play concludes with the intervention of Oberon and Puck, who magically resolve the romantic entanglements and misunderstandings among the characters. The fairy king and his servant’s interventions could be seen as a form of deus ex machina in the context of a comedy.
4. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle (1902): Although not a traditional deus ex machina, the sudden appearance of Holmes at the end of the novel, having secretly been investigating all along, has been viewed by some as a convenient and unexpected resolution to the mystery.
5. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker (1897): The ending of “Dracula” involves the unexpected and almost coincidental demise of the vampire. Some critics argue that the resolution, particularly involving Mina’s role, borders on deus ex machina as it brings a swift and somewhat convenient conclusion to the vampire threat.
6. War of the Worlds (2005): In the film adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds,” the aliens are defeated by Earth’s microorganisms. While this is consistent with the source material, it can be seen as a deus ex machina due to the sudden and unanticipated resolution.
7. “The Wizard of Oz”: The Wizard’s sudden appearance and resolution of the characters’ quests are considered by some as a deus ex machina, as it is an unexpected intervention that quickly resolves their problems.
While deus ex machina can provide a swift resolution to a story, it is often criticized for its lack of narrative satisfaction and the potential to undermine the integrity of a well-crafted plot. Writers are generally encouraged to seek more organic and well-established resolutions to maintain a sense of coherence and engagement for the audience.