The Affable Stranger

The Affable Stranger, written by Peter McArthur and first published in 1920, is a reflective essay that follows a thoughtful traveler on a train journey from Montreal to Boston. Through conversations with fellow passengers, McArthur explores themes of identity, nationalism, and the complexities of human interaction in a post-war society. The narrative provides a Canadian perspective on American identity, addressing issues such as patriotism and social dynamics in the early 20th century.