Sambodhi 1975 Vol 04

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 49

The Treatment of Suspense in Dhanapala's Tilakamanjari
the most natural manner188 already suggested long back, 189 The recounting here of the events of the presentation of the necklace by Jyala naprabha serves to remind the audience about the original thread of the narrative and prepares them for final revelation of the identities of pairs of lovers of past birth. The presentation of the necklace and the ring to Tilakamañjalī and Malayasundari respectively by Harivābapa is also justified by the poet in a very convincing manner, 190
The element of suspense is again introduced in the message from Tilakamano ri after she is reminded of Jvalanaprabha at the sight of the necklace, 191 and generates desperation in Harivāhana,192 thereby preparing him for propitiation of the mystic Vidyās by rousing bis scnse of pity for Anangarati by referring to how the latter was rendered homeless by his cousins who usurped his kingdom.193 The process of unfolding is skillfully utilized to further add to it by boxing the account of Vikramabahu.194 Our curiosity is beightened by referring to some confirmation received by Virasena from the Munis on Astāpada 195 The illusory aspect of the episode of Anangarati is also revealed in so many words.106
The sad news about Tilaka mañjari and Malayasundari brought by Gandharvaka197 is but an attempt by the poet to wind up the story by supplying the remaining links of the story, while at the same time sustaining the interest right upto the end. It is but a projection of past events 108 utilized for bringing the parrative uptodate by shifting the focus by means of boxing technique.
The suspense is completely resolved by the revelation of the riddle of past bicths by Malarsi,190 whose identity with the Vid\adhara Muni iniro. duced in the beginnig of the prose-romance290 is but slightly and carefully indicated. 201
The poet's skill at sustaining the interest in the narrative right upto the Last page of his novel is seen as we notice how he keeps the audience oscillating between bope and despair when just after the appcarance of some bad omens, 202 Sandipana brings the sad news about the attempted suicide by Harivahana and Tilakamanjari's desperate resolve to follow suit,203 The element of accident in the timely arrival of Prakarsa with a message from Cakrasena urging Tilakamanjarī to postpone her recolve of committing suicide for six months 204 serves to enhance our curiosity, though the relevant events have already been described in detail only recently, 205
The conscious art of Dhanapāla is again seen when he reminds the audience about the events right from the moment Tilakamiañjarī saw the necklace to the last day of six-monthly postponement of her resolve to commit suicide, and brings the suspense to a final end by using it as a means to rouse the memories of Harivābana about his past birth.206 The poet again points out to the past events beginning with the questions put