The Department of Arts, Kannada Sangha Pune’s Kaveri College of Arts, Science and Commerce, organized an online guest lecture on “Walter Pater’s Views on Style with Reference to On Style” on Wednesday, 14th October 2026. The session was conducted for TYBA English students with the objective of enhancing their understanding of literary criticism and exploring Walter Pater’s ideas on style and artistic expression.
The session was delivered by Dr. Vishakha Pethkar, Assistant Professor of English at MIT College, Pune. An interdisciplinary academic with expertise in English Literature, Gender Studies, Queer Theory, and Cultural Humanities, Dr. Pethkar brought an engaging and contemporary perspective to the discussion.
During the lecture, Dr. Pethkar explained Walter Pater’s views on style as presented in his essay On Style. She discussed how effective literary writing depends on the careful selection of words, precision of expression, rhythm, clarity, and the harmonious relationship between form and content. She helped students understand that style is not merely a decorative element of writing but an essential part of conveying ideas, emotions, and meaning.
To make the theoretical concepts more accessible, the resource person used a variety of illustrations, including poems, examples from literature, movie references, and contemporary memes. This creative approach connected classical literary theory with familiar cultural experiences and encouraged students to interpret literary concepts from different perspectives.
The lecture also emphasized the importance of close reading, critical interpretation, and thoughtful expression in the study of literature. The interactive question-and-answer session encouraged students to clarify their doubts and actively engage with the topic. Dr. Pethkar also interacted with Dr. Pooja Ambole, contributing to a meaningful academic discussion.
The session was attended by 12 students, along with faculty members Dr. Pooja Ambole, Ms. Saloni Jaiswal, and Ms. Anoushka Ghorai. Their participation contributed to an enriching learning environment.
Overall, the guest lecture provided students with valuable insights into Walter Pater’s literary philosophy and strengthened their understanding of literary criticism. The use of contemporary examples and interactive discussion made the session informative, engaging, and academically enriching. It successfully encouraged students to appreciate the significance of style in literature and develop a deeper, more analytical approach to literary texts.
