Brenton
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Shea
Always Eighteen
AhmedDeus Ex Machina
April 1st 2008 01:19
Deus Ex Machina is a Greek tern meaning God out of the Machine. It refers to a literary technique whereby vast conflict is resolves by an unlikely source, which comes from outside the world of the narrative. The chief example is like that of Greek theatre when a God would come down, literally on a crane (as part of the performance) and simply solve all problems.
Today, the technique of Deus Ex Machina is mostly regarded as clumsy. It rarely adds anything of value to the story and is best avoided unless it adds significantly to the value of the work.
Examples of Badly used Deus Ex techniques include, but are not limited to;
…and suddenly he woke up and discovered it was all a dream.
…just when it seemed the Aliens would destroy the world they all died from bacteria.
…A hero rides over the hill, saying “Never fear! I’ve killed the dragon, and restored the city to its former glory and convinced your father to let me marry you and found lots of money to solves the economic disparity!”
…“Haha, see we tricked you, it was all an elaborate joke to make you THINK that your life was teetering on the brink of destruction.”
…And inside the anonymous envelope was a magic bean which made her transport from the eternal labyrinth back home again.
Chances are if you’re missing that little something at the end of your story you’re also missing it from the very beginning. The end should be the natural conclusion (or twisted subversion) of the rest of the story.
There are circumstances in which though Deus Ex Machena has been used positively to great effect. It is often found in Comedy to humorous effect. The Goon Show was fond of the ending; “AND NOW…. THE ANTICLIMAX!” It may also be used to provide the reader with a sense of disappointment, serving the purpose of consciously pointing out the futility or worthlessness of all that has gone on before.
For two examples of another use of the Deus Ex Machena, where it is consciously used and mentioned to express the power of some other higher force, see the films Donny Darko and Matrix; Revolutions.
Today, the technique of Deus Ex Machina is mostly regarded as clumsy. It rarely adds anything of value to the story and is best avoided unless it adds significantly to the value of the work.
Examples of Badly used Deus Ex techniques include, but are not limited to;
…and suddenly he woke up and discovered it was all a dream.
…just when it seemed the Aliens would destroy the world they all died from bacteria.
…A hero rides over the hill, saying “Never fear! I’ve killed the dragon, and restored the city to its former glory and convinced your father to let me marry you and found lots of money to solves the economic disparity!”
…“Haha, see we tricked you, it was all an elaborate joke to make you THINK that your life was teetering on the brink of destruction.”
…And inside the anonymous envelope was a magic bean which made her transport from the eternal labyrinth back home again.
Chances are if you’re missing that little something at the end of your story you’re also missing it from the very beginning. The end should be the natural conclusion (or twisted subversion) of the rest of the story.
There are circumstances in which though Deus Ex Machena has been used positively to great effect. It is often found in Comedy to humorous effect. The Goon Show was fond of the ending; “AND NOW…. THE ANTICLIMAX!” It may also be used to provide the reader with a sense of disappointment, serving the purpose of consciously pointing out the futility or worthlessness of all that has gone on before.
For two examples of another use of the Deus Ex Machena, where it is consciously used and mentioned to express the power of some other higher force, see the films Donny Darko and Matrix; Revolutions.
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I will 100% agree with Donny Darko.
My personal opinion about Matrix:Revolutions was that was an intended cop out to make room for another sequel.
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I'd agree the Matrix did it half arsed, but the point to me what that it was employed conciously, with the character names Deus Ex Machena.
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