Deus ex ma·chi·na ( ks mä k -n, -nä, m k -n ) n. 1. In Greek and Roman drama, a god lowered by stage machinery to resolve a plot or extricate the protagonist from a difficult situation. 1. In Greek and Roman drama, a god lowered by stage machinery to resolve a plot or extricate the protagonist from a difficult situation. 2. An unexpected, artificial, or improbable character, device, or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle a plot. 2. An unexpected, artificial, or improbable character, device, or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle a plot. 3. A person or event that provides a sudden and unexpected solution to a difficulty. 3. A person or event that provides a sudden and unexpected solution to a difficulty.

Dramatic Significance: A close reading of theatrical excerpts

“Dramatic Significance” refers to the function and importance of a scene, character, incident, and speech (dialogue, soliloquy, or aside)

Determining Dramatic Significance Does the quotation: 1. Advance the plot: - Plot = series of related events that make up a story. - Advancing plot = because of this, something else will happen

2. Establish a conflict: - Internal – character has internal struggle concerning emotion & decision - External – two or more characters have a struggle - External – person vs. nature or person vs. society

3. Illustrate a literary device: - foreshadowing - irony: dramatic, verbal, situational - imagery - atmosphere/mood - figurative language: simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, personification, onomatopoeia

4. Reveal characterization: - Show us a significant personality trait of a certain character or show character development - Through actions and speech of character (direct) - Through actions and speech of other characters (indirect)

5. Illustrate a theme 5. Illustrate a theme - There can be more than one theme in a single work - Can be illustrated through actions and speech of characters,“lessons learned”, and action & events - Look for repetition

6. Provide background information - history of story 7. Create or withdraw pathos (pity/compassion) in the viewer/reader 8. Establish or develop relationships between characters

When Citing Dramatic Significance… You must include the following: 1. The speaker; 2. To whom the speaker is addressing; 3. Its meaning, or what is being said, in your own words; 4. And most importantly, its significance to the play as a whole.

1. The speaker; 2. To whom the speaker is addressing; 3. Its meaning, or what is being said, in your own words; 4. And most importantly, its significance to the play as a whole.

Class Example: “ What if this cursed hand Were thicker than/itself with brother’s blood- Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens/ To wash it white as snow? “ (Act III, scene iii) (Act III, scene iii)

1. The speaker; 2. To whom the speaker is addressing; 3. Its meaning, or what is being said, in your own words; And most importantly, its significance to the play as a whole. 4. And most importantly, its significance to the play as a whole.

What might you have found? Significance to the play as a whole. King Claudius, soliloquy, Act III, scene iii. King Claudius, soliloquy, Act III, scene iii. Establishes inner conflict of Claudius. Establishes inner conflict of Claudius. Reveals personality traits of Claudius-guilty, determined, rationalizes deeds Reveals personality traits of Claudius-guilty, determined, rationalizes deeds Illustrates a theme: Corruption-”cursed hand” Illustrates a theme: Corruption-”cursed hand” Complicates plot-Hamlet feels that he can not kill Claudius as his spirit will go to heaven. Complicates plot-Hamlet feels that he can not kill Claudius as his spirit will go to heaven.

Remember! The best answer is one that draws evidence in. Refer specifically to the passage that you are working with, but also try your best to bring in specifics from other parts of the text. The best answer is one that draws evidence in. Refer specifically to the passage that you are working with, but also try your best to bring in specifics from other parts of the text. Also, create balance and symmetry in your answers. They should have an opening, relevant evidence, and a closing. Also, create balance and symmetry in your answers. They should have an opening, relevant evidence, and a closing.

Individually …. Review Acts 3/4 Find one quote for each of the listed dramatic significance purposes. Using the steps we have reviewed in class for dramatic significance discuss each quote. Write down your answers and pass in.