what is a 'deus ex machine' ending?

Question

i read it in a Robert Rankin book and the ending was quite exciting

Answer 1

The correct term is "deus ex machina," and literally, it means "God from the machine."

It's when something quite improbable happens at the end of a story... realizing it was just a dream, or when a hero shows up at the last moment unexpectedly with the solution to the problem. It could even be used to refer to a "twist" or unexpected ending.

It originates form Greek theatre, when a machine (like a crane) would lower actors playing God onto the stage, where they would resolve the problematic storyline.

Answer 2

Its a unexpected and mostly unrealistic and improbable device used by authors to remove character and plot holes such as wizard of oz's " It was all a dream ". But can also be a plot twist

The most classical is in Odyssey by Homer. And was often used in Greek tradegy. Shakespeare may have/ may not have used it in Midsummer nights dream its a dubious ending as Puck or Oberon cant remeber which talks about how the scene is all fairy magic. Its also used in Lord of the Flies when the kids are rescued by a random naval officer. In Beggar's Opera by John Gay also used this as the writer intervened to save his hero

Answer 3

It is were answers or help suddenly come to the character. like a ghost in the machine. The author gives the character information that he would have no other way of knowing.

Answer 4

In a play, God (Or fate) intervenes in a usually ridiculous way to bring the whole thing to an end. Very much like 'Oh, it was all a dream, after all.

Answer 5

It's when you're in a dangerous situation and you happen to have the one thing that could save your life - like a gun or a knife.

Answer 6

Have you seen any episodes of the original series of "Star Trek"? :-)

Answer 7

MacGyver. 'nuff said.