"Good Old Us" by Walter Stewart

The essay is in my opinion a good piece of prose. It's main method of development is example and it meets the criteria of a work with example methodology. Usually an essay may have some examples to support a thesis, but this essay is composed almost entirely of examples which are concrete and related to the topic. As well, the reader can identify with the examples provided allowing them to remain connected and involved.

The thesis of the essay is that "[Canadians] are held captive by the myth of the reasonable citizen". The author grabs the reader's attention by using intense and specific examples of how, as a nation, we seem to shy away from past circumstances that could expose us in a poor light. Examples such as boys who come from "all good familes" prey upon an Indian girl for "a little free-loving" leaving the poor girl "naked and dead by the roadside." This example of brutality along with examples of riots, hostile conviction without trial and murder suggest that not always is a Canadian citizen "a patient man" and that as a nation we "are no better and no worse than anyone else". The author also says that "we view ourselves as a superior people" but "we reject any contrary evidence". By playing on the reader's emotion and adding emphasis with every passing example, the author is able to make the assumption that Canadians are "looser and dumber" than most of us would generally agree to. These examples draw the reader in, creating a connection and interest.

The author provided examples of Canada's darker side as a way of creating direction and focus about how even our nation has its faults. By producing a piece of prose completely of example, the author has created a well thought out and developed essay.