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Deus Ex Machina for Dummies

noun


What does Deus Ex Machina really mean?

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Hey there! So, "Deus Ex Machina" is a really cool phrase that comes from a type of ancient Greek theater. The words actually mean "god from the machine" in Latin. In those old plays, sometimes when the characters got really stuck in a tough spot and it seemed like there was no way out, a god would suddenly appear and fix everything.

So, when we talk about "Deus Ex Machina" today, we're talking about a plot device where something totally unexpected and often not very believable happens to solve a problem in a story. It's like if you were watching a movie and the hero was trapped with no way out, and then suddenly they find a magic door that leads them to safety. It's a bit like when you're playing a video game and you're about to lose, but then you find a secret power-up that saves the day out of nowhere.

So, in a way, it's kind of like a magical solution that comes out of nowhere to wrap up the story or save the day. It's not always the most satisfying way to end a story, because it can feel a bit like cheating. But it can also be a fun way to add a surprising twist to the tale.

I hope that makes sense! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Revised and Fact checked by Jane Smith on 2023-11-15 07:12:28

Deus Ex Machina In a sentece

Learn how to use Deus Ex Machina inside a sentece

  • In the movie, the main character was saved from the bad guys at the last minute by a Deus Ex Machina, or an unexpected event that solves a seemingly impossible problem.
  • The fairy godmother's appearance in the story was a Deus Ex Machina, as her magical powers solved all the protagonist's problems in an instant.
  • The sudden arrival of a helpful stranger just when the protagonist was about to give up was a classic Deus Ex Machina moment in the story.
  • The unexpected discovery of a hidden treasure in the attic served as a Deus Ex Machina, providing the necessary resources to overcome the character's financial struggles.
  • In the play, the unlikely reunion of long-lost family members at the right moment was a Deus Ex Machina that resolved all the conflicts between the characters.

Deus Ex Machina Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.