What is deux ex machina? Use of ‘deux ex machina’ in Euripedes' Medea
What is "Deux ex Machina"? And how it was used in the play 'Medea' of Euripides?
Answer: In the world of literature and drama, there are many devices that help give a direction to the story. One of these is "Deux ex Machina", which has been a major element of the Greek theater. It is a Latin word, which means "the deity came from the machine". It is used when suddenly a god/goddess or supernatural power in a story resolves all problems. This method gives the author a simple way to get out of a complex or incompatible situation.
Now we will see what this “Deux ex Machina” is, what is its purpose, and how the famous Greek playwright Euripides has used it in his play 'Medea'.
What is Deux ex Machina?
'Deux ex Machina' is a theatrical technique that was specially used in ancient Greek plays. When a character or story used to come to a turn from where its solution was difficult, then a deity or miraculous power was suddenly presented at the end of the play. This character or power used to solve all the complications and end the story.
The word was found in Greek plays. A deity was often launched on stage through a machine (crane -like machine) above the stage. For this reason, it was called "God came from the machine" - i.e. Deux ex Machina.
Introduction to 'Medea' play:
'Medea' written by Euripides is a famous Greek tragedy. This drama is the story of a woman who tortures her husband and takes revenge. Medea is a princess of Colchis and a magician. She leaves her family and country for her husband Jason. But later Jason leaves her and gets married another. Enraged by this, Medea decides to take revenge and kill Jason's new wife and her own two children.
Use of Deux ex Machina in 'Medea'
At the end of this drama, when Medea kills her children, the audience and other characters try to punish or catch it. But at the same time, the chariot of a deity (the chariot of the sun god Helios) appears from the sky, and Medea climbs on that chariot. In this way, she escapes by dodging everyone and no one is able to punish her.
Here it is clearly the use of Deux ex Machina - a divine intervention, which suddenly comes in the story and gives her a special direction. This shows how the author resolved a highly complex situation with the help of a supernatural element.
Deux ex Machina: purpose and influence
(a) Duality of justice and injustice:
Medea committed extremely fierce crime - killing her own children. Still she survived the punishment. This makes the audience a moral confused. ‘Deux ex Machina’ was used here to show that sometimes justice is not from human point of view but from the point of view of the gods.
(b) The dramatic effect of the play:
When Medea flies on the chariot of the Sun god, the scene becomes extremely impressive and memorable. This has a miraculous effect on the audience - fear, surprise and thinking a state of thinking.
(c) Women power and freedom:
Medea's departure to sit on this chariot also shows that it has risen above the boundaries made by society and men. He took his revenge and is no longer in anyone's grip.
Criticism and controversy:
Although ‘Deux EX Machina’ has been a popular technique, it is also criticized. Many critics believe that this is a "lazy writer's technique". This brings an artificial solution rather than a natural solution in the story, which can be far from reality.
It becomes even more disputed in Medea because the audience wonders how a woman who commits such a terrible crime can avoid punishment. But it was the style of Euripides - he did not bind his characters in traditional rules.
Thus, ‘Deux ex Machina’ is an important literary technique, especially in Greek plays. It has been used in a very clear and effective manner in the Euripides’ play, 'Medea'. Medea's flying on the chariot of the Sun God shows how the deity or miraculous elements can give a new twist to the story.
Although this technique is also criticized, when it is used correctly, it gives the play a depth and mysteriousness. The use of ‘Deux ex Machina’ in “Medea” has made the play even more impressive and thoughtful.
Deux ex Machina : Important questions and answers
Question 1: What is "Deux ex Machina"?
Answer: "Deux ex Machina" is a literary and dramatic technique that means "deity from machine". This is used when suddenly a deity or supernatural power comes into a story and solves all problems. It was particularly used in ancient Greek plays.
Question 2: How was 'Deux ex Machina' used in Greek plays?
Answer: In Greek plays, under the 'Deux ex Machina', a crane-like machine above the stage was brought down to a deity or supernatural vessel, which came to the end of the story and solved problems.
Question 3: How is 'Deux ex Machina' used in the play, 'Medea'?
Answer: In the play, 'Medea' of 'Euripides', in the end when Medea kills her children. When the people want to catch her, then the chariot of Sun God Helios appears from the sky. Medea runs on that chariot and runs away from punishment. This is a clear example of 'Deux ex Machina'.
Question 4: What is the meaning and effect of 'Deux ex Machina' for Medea?
Answer: With this technique, Medea gives the way to avoid punishment. This causes moral confusion in the play because a criminal runs away without punishing him. At the same time, this visual drama also gives dramatic effects and depth.
Question 5: Why is 'Deux ex Machina' criticized?
Answer: This technique is criticized because it offers an "artificial" solution to the story. Many critics consider it a "lazy writing" because it shows a miraculous solution suddenly instead of solving the story naturally.
Question 6: What is the relationship with the woman freedom to Medea’s flight on the chariot of the Sun God?
Answer: Medea's flying on the chariot of Sun God shows that it has risen above the rules made by society and men. He took his revenge and is no longer in anyone's grip. It is considered a symbol of female power and freedom.
Question 7: Does the use of 'Deux ex Machina' increase the dramatic effect?
Answer: Yes, when Medea fly on the chariot of the Sun God, this scene surprises the audience, impresses and forces them to think. This makes the play memorable and deep.
Question 8: What is the main theme of 'Medea' play?
Answer: The main theme of the play, “Medea” is - vengeance, betrayal, strength and morality of women. This story is of a woman who takes revenge after cheating on her husband and kills her children.
Question 9: Why did Medea kill her children?
Answer: Medea killed her own children to take revenge on her husband Jason. Jason had married another woman leaving her. It causes Medea to hurt and angry.
Question 10: What expressions are produced in the drama using 'Deux ex Machina'?
Answer: This technique creates expressions like wonder, miracle, mystery and moral duality in the drama. Readers are forced to think whether it is justice or injustice.
Question 11: What is the effect of 'Deux ex Machina' on the composition of the play?
Answer: This technique suddenly bends the composition of the play and eliminates a complex position in a simple way. Although it increases dramatic situation, some people also consider it unrealistic.
Question 12: How was the use of 'Deux ex Machina' in Euripides writing?
Answer: Euripides not only used the 'Deux ex Machina' to solve the problem, but this made the audience think on issues like morality, justice and women's freedom.
Question 13: Which gods appear in the play 'Medea'?
Answer: The play mentions Sun God, Helios, whose chariot finally leads Medea. These are the same Helios from which the family relationship of Medea has also been reported.
Question 14: When is the use of 'Deux ex Machina' considered effective?
Answer: When this technique is associated with the theme, symbols and emotional depth of the story, its use is considered impressive. For example, in 'Medea' it was used to show the power and freedom of Medea.
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