What Does Deus Ex Machina Do in a Greek Theatre Play?

Greek Theatre|Theater

Deus Ex Machina, which translates to “God from the Machine”, is a term used to describe a plot device used in ancient Greek theatre. The Deus Ex Machina is an unexpected force or character that appears at the end of the play and resolves the conflict in an unexpected way.

It is often seen as a convenient plot device that serves as a resolution to an otherwise unresolvable problem.

In ancient Greek plays, it was common for characters to be confronted with seemingly impossible tasks or problems. The Deus Ex Machina would then arrive in some form and resolve the conflict in a simple and unexpected way.

This often provided relief from the tension of the play, allowing the audience to experience catharsis (the release of emotional tension).

The use of Deus Ex Machina was most popular during Sophocles’ time. One example of this can be seen in his play Oedipus Rex, where after Oedipus discovers his true identity he plucks out his eyes and blinds himself. Suddenly, a messenger arrives from Delphi who announces that Oedipus’s sons will rule over Thebes jointly, thus resolving the conflict and restoring order in Thebes.

Deus Ex Machina has been used throughout history in various forms such as surprise revelations, divine intervention or sudden reversals of fortune. It is often seen as a lazy way to resolve conflicts without any real effort on behalf of the characters involved. Despite this criticism, its popularity still remains high due to its ability to provide closure to stories with otherwise unresolvable conflicts.

Conclusion:

Deus Ex Machina is a plot device used in Greek theatre that provides an unexpected resolution to an otherwise unresolvable problem. It serves as a quick and convenient resolution that allows audiences to experience catharsis and provides closure for stories with seemingly impossible conflicts. Despite criticism for being too convenient, its popularity still remains high due to its effectiveness at providing closure for these types of stories.