Practice Questions: Deus Ex Machina

Deus Ex Machina - JAMB/UTME Practice Questions

Q1: In dramatic structure, a deus ex machina refers to -
(a) a character who appears suddenly to resolve an impossible situation
(b) a tragic flaw that leads to the protagonist's downfall
(c) a detailed exposition of background events
(d) a gradual resolution of conflict through natural plot progression

Q2: The term "deus ex machina" originates from which theatrical tradition?
(a) Elizabethan drama
(b) Ancient Greek theatre
(c) Medieval mystery plays
(d) Modern realist drama

Q3: Critics generally view the use of deus ex machina in modern literature as -
(a) an innovative narrative technique
(b) evidence of sophisticated plotting
(c) a weakness in storytelling and plot construction
(d) the most effective way to end tragedies

Q4: Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies deus ex machina?
(a) A character solves a mystery using clues planted throughout the story
(b) The protagonist overcomes obstacles through personal growth and determination
(c) A wealthy relative suddenly appears and pays all the family's debts
(d) The antagonist's plan fails due to a flaw in their character

Q5: In Wole Soyinka's "The Lion and the Jewel," if Sidi had suddenly inherited wealth to escape her predicament, this would be an example of -
(a) dramatic irony
(b) deus ex machina
(c) foreshadowing
(d) comic relief

Q6: The opposite of deus ex machina in plot construction is -
(a) organic resolution arising from character actions and established plot elements
(b) unresolved ending leaving questions unanswered
(c) tragic conclusion where the hero dies
(d) surprise twist that changes the story's meaning

Q7: Which literary element is most compromised by excessive use of deus ex machina?
(a) Setting and atmosphere
(b) Character dialogue
(c) Narrative credibility and plot coherence
(d) Poetic imagery

Q8: In Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," the arrival of missionaries and colonial administrators could be considered deus ex machina if -
(a) their presence was never foreshadowed or logically integrated into the narrative
(b) they contributed to Okonkwo's tragic downfall
(c) they represented historical reality
(d) they created conflict in Umuofia

Q9: A well-constructed plot avoids deus ex machina by -
(a) ensuring all resolutions emerge from established story elements and character development
(b) introducing surprise endings
(c) using flashback techniques
(d) creating complex subplots

Q10: The phrase "god from the machine" in deus ex machina refers to -
(a) divine intervention in human affairs
(b) mechanical props that represented supernatural powers
(c) the crane device used to lower actors playing gods onto the Greek stage
(d) metaphorical machinery of fate

Q11: In Shakespeare's plays, the sudden revelation that a disguised character is actually royalty would be deus ex machina only if -
(a) the disguise was maintained throughout
(b) it creates dramatic irony
(c) no hints or clues about the true identity were provided earlier
(d) it occurs in the final act

Q12: Which statement about deus ex machina is most accurate?
(a) It always involves supernatural intervention
(b) It requires a divine character to appear physically on stage
(c) It can involve any improbable, contrived solution to narrative conflict
(d) It only occurs in ancient Greek drama

Q13: The primary problem with deus ex machina is that it -
(a) requires too much dramatic tension
(b) makes stories too realistic
(c) denies characters agency in resolving their own conflicts
(d) creates excessive suspense

Q14: In John Munonye's "The Only Son," if Nnanna had discovered hidden treasure to solve his financial problems, this would demonstrate -
(a) realistic character development
(b) deus ex machina
(c) effective foreshadowing
(d) symbolic resolution

Q15: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of deus ex machina?
(a) Sudden appearance without proper narrative preparation
(b) Resolution arising from character motivation and previous actions
(c) Convenient timing that solves seemingly impossible problems
(d) External intervention rather than internal character development

Q16: Foreshadowing helps writers avoid deus ex machina by -
(a) creating surprise endings
(b) developing complex characters
(c) preparing audiences for later plot developments and resolutions
(d) increasing dramatic tension

Q17: In tragedy, reliance on deus ex machina undermines the genre because it -
(a) prevents the inevitable consequences of tragic flaws from unfolding naturally
(b) creates too much emotional catharsis
(c) makes the setting unclear
(d) develops characters too quickly

Q18: A story ends with an improbable coincidence that saves the protagonist. This is problematic because it -
(a) creates too much realism
(b) violates the narrative's internal logic and feels unearned
(c) provides excessive character development
(d) uses too much foreshadowing

Q19: In which scenario would divine intervention NOT be considered deus ex machina?
(a) A god appears for the first time in the final scene to resolve all conflicts
(b) A deity whose presence and influence were established throughout intervenes logically
(c) An unexplained miracle saves the protagonist from certain death
(d) A previously unmentioned supernatural force suddenly appears

Q20: The use of deus ex machina most directly affects a story's -
(a) thematic symbolism
(b) structural integrity and audience satisfaction
(c) poetic meter
(d) character descriptions

Q21: Which playwright is most associated with effectively using devices that avoid deus ex machina through careful plot construction?
(a) Wole Soyinka, who builds conflicts from cultural tensions
(b) Unknown medieval dramatists
(c) Amateur writers
(d) Beginning playwrights

Q22: If a character in a novel suddenly remembers a crucial skill never previously mentioned that solves the central conflict, this represents -
(a) effective characterization
(b) flashback technique
(c) deus ex machina through convenient memory
(d) proper foreshadowing

Q23: The distinction between a plot twist and deus ex machina lies in whether -
(a) the resolution was foreshadowed and emerges logically from established elements
(b) the story contains supernatural elements
(c) characters express surprise
(d) the ending is happy or tragic

Q24: Writers can make coincidences in their plots feel less like deus ex machina by -
(a) ensuring coincidences complicate rather than resolve conflicts, or are prepared through foreshadowing
(b) using more descriptive language
(c) creating longer dialogues
(d) adding more characters

Q25: The fundamental literary principle violated by deus ex machina is -
(a) alliteration and sound patterns
(b) that story resolutions should emerge causally from established narrative elements
(c) the requirement for poetic language
(d) the need for historical accuracy