Question

Machines: The phrase deus ex machina references an actual machine used in ancient Greek theater, the mechane. The mechane is one of many examples of what type of machine? Another example is a skill-with-prize game found in many public establishments?

Answer 1

The mechane and skill-with-prize games are examples of theater machines and arcade games, respectively.

Some key facts:

• The mechane was a crane used in ancient Greek theaters to lower actors or props onto the stage. It was used to bring about an unanticipated turn of events in a play's plot, hence the origin of the phrase "deus ex machina" meaning an unexpected plot element or character.

• Arcade games typically use arcade cabinets with mechanical components like buttons, joysticks, tracks balls, etc. to enable the gameplay. They are meant as commercial coin-operated amusement machines.

• So the mechane was a theater machine used for dramatic effects, while arcade games represent a type of coin-operated amusement machine.

• Other examples of machines could include things like elevators, cranes, churns, mills, etc. But the mechane and arcade games are most relevant to the examples given.

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