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Deus ex machina

Latin Phrases
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation

Detailed Definition
Deus ex machina in poetry refers to an unexpected, implausible resolution introduced abruptly—often via divine or external intervention—that resolves narrative or emotional tension without organic development; while criticized as contrived, it can serve ironic or mythic purposes in lyrical contexts.
Example
Example in poetry:
Deus ex machina: In Euripides’ Medea, the sun god Helios sends a chariot to rescue Medea at the climax, resolving her impossible situation through sudden divine intervention.
Additional Notes
Contrived or artificial plot resolution, literally "god from the machine." Often criticized when used obviously. In poetry, an unexpected turn or resolution that feels unearned. Compare with volta and narrative closure.
Also Known As
God from machine Contrived resolution Artificial solution Plot device rescue angeli in machina
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