Analysis Of Deus Ex Machina

Aristotle pioneered the term “Deus ex Machina” as a way to describe the technique as a device to resolve the plot of tragedies (Chondros et al). Although many critics referred to it as in artistic, convenient, and overly simplistic (Breton), Antiphanes in particular believed any playwright who used the term was unable to properly manage the complications of his plot. “Deus ex Machina” is a common form of Writer Cop Out; it is an outside force that solves a seemingly unsolvable problem in a very unlikely and unusual way. Additionally, the solution has to come from a sudden or unexpected event that is also external to the character. In the story “Paycheck” by Philip K. Dick, some would assume the term “Deus ex Machina” is properly used when the paper appears in the pocket of Jennings, which facilitates the leverage of blackmail against Rethrick to cooperatively run his company. While this is a solution to a problem to an otherwise unsolvable or hopeless situation, it is not an example of the term because the solution is not sudden or unexpected and external to the character and his choices. There are many instances in the story
Jennings doesn’t receive help from anybody else but himself when he acquires the trinkets; his access to the Time Scoop helped him get along. The Trinkets from the beginning start to prove that the remaining trinkets will help Jennings come out ahead, so the ending, although unknown, is very predictable. The use of the term “Deus ex Machina” impacts every audience differently. Many people have different opinions of its contribution to a story, but no matter what the judgment is, the use of the term or lack thereof leaves it up for discussion among readers and in turn can make or break an