Mahābhārata

20 Introduction 

. . .

The literary piece must exhibit appropriateness (aucitya). To begin 
with, the plot must be appropriate to the emotions, the determinants, 
and the consequents which are to produce the intended rasa. In ex- 
hibiting the heroism of a human king, for example, one should not 
engage him in adventures that could be accomplished only by a god 
(3.10-14 A). If a plot as given in the epics and Puranas contains a trait 
that is inappropriate to the character of the hero or to the intended 
rasa, one must either omit it or add some element to the plot to achieve 
the needed appropriateness (3.10-14e A). In this regard Ananda cites 
Kalidasa as an example to be followed. His reference is in general terms 
only, but we might supply such a specific instance as the Sakuntala, 
where in the epic prototype the king abandons with needless cruelty the 
heroine whom he has seduced.’ Such action would be inappropriate to . . .