DEUS EX MACHINA
Machine of the Gods
What is it?
• An unexpected “out” for the
character in trouble
• In Euripides’ time, gods
commonly intervened to save
a character without
explanation
• Usually seems like an
unsatisfying cop out
• What is the deus ex machina
of Medea?
INCENTIVE MOMENT
The beginning of the character’s
motivation
What is it?
• The beginning of the cause and
effect of the story
• The moment behind the
character’s major motivation
• The moment when the characters
find out there’s a task to be
completed
• What is Medea’s incentive
moment?
TRY IT OUT!
First row: You’re about to be eaten
by a bear!
Second row: You’re about to be
abducted by a space ship!
Third row: You’re about to be
thrown out of an airplane into a pit
of boiling lava!
Fourth row: Your desk is about to
blow up!
Fifth row: You’ve been teleported to
Mt. Everest in a tank top and shorts!
Essential Question
•How did Greek
culture influence the
events of Medea?
-