Monday, February 3, 2014

Deus Ex Machina


Deus Ex Machina is a phrase used to describe an event where an unsolvable issue is resolved by an unexpected new character, object, ability, etc. This plot device is used frequently in modern books and movies as well as near the beginning of time. 

One example of Deus Ex Machina in pop-culture is in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Harry is outmatched by a basilisk and a magical phoenix brings him the sword of Godric Gryffindor to kill it. Another example is in Lord of the Rings when Gwaihir and other eagles save Gandalf from any situation where he is in danger. One really  interesting piece of pop culture that I found that showed Deus Ex Machina was the Claw Machine in Toy Story 3. The alien toys worshiped the claw as a god and treated it as a decider as to their salvation. Deus Ex Machina adds a great deal of thrill to literature and film which is why it has been around for so long in history.

No comments:

Post a Comment