God from machine

Device
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

A sudden, artificial resolution to conflict through unexpected intervention (deus ex machina)

Detailed Definition
God from machine: An English rendering of "deus ex machina," referring to resolution through external intervention rather than internal development. In narrative poetry, this device introduces an outside force—supernatural being, coincidence, or sudden revelation—that resolves otherwise intractable problems, often criticized for prioritizing tidy conclusions over organic development from established materials.
Example
Example in poetry:
Miraculous or contrived solution appearing suddenly; Divine intervention resolving poetic narrative; Supernatural rescue in plot; Unexpected savior arriving without preparation
Additional Notes
Latin "deus ex machina" - an artificial plot device that resolves complications through external intervention. Generally considered weak poetic craft unless used ironically.
Also Known As
Deus ex machina Divine intervention Miraculous rescue Sudden salvation
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