(n) an unexpected, artificial, or unlikely character, device or event introduced suddenly in a work...

(n) an unexpected, artificial, or unlikely character, device or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle a plot. By: Jonathon, Chris, Jessica, and Stephanie Mrs. Reynold’s Pre-Ap English 9 Period 5

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Transcript of (n) an unexpected, artificial, or unlikely character, device or event introduced suddenly in a work...

Page 1: (n) an unexpected, artificial, or unlikely character, device or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle.

(n) an unexpected, artificial, or unlikely character, device or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle a plot.

By: Jonathon, Chris, Jessica, and StephanieMrs. Reynold’s Pre-Ap English 9

Period 5

Page 2: (n) an unexpected, artificial, or unlikely character, device or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle.

Examples: In a 1978 Superman movie, after Lois Lane has been killed in her car and the villain has detonated missiles to devastating effect, Superman travels back in time to correct the events. A writer might write of a moment in which a band of pioneers are attacked by bandits and a cavalry brigade arrives unexpectedly to drive them away. This may be described as a deus ex machina conclusion.

Sources: Literary Terms and Definitions. http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/lit_terms_D.html ; American Heritage Dictionary. (http://www.ask.com/web? ; (Superman example). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deus_ex_machina ; Deus ex Machina. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/deus ex machina>.