Although his essay reflects a serious issue, his use of humor encourages the audience to heed his warnings without becoming defensive. This allows the reader to understand the intended message. It effectively incorporates humor while revealing the effect of an issue. For example, after a bird "has flown directly over the boundary hedge into a field, owned by Mrs. Henessey", and Forster claims that he "dares not kill her". (140) His thought process, while shocking, is highlighted with humor due to the drastic escalation to murder following something as insignificant as a bird flying off his and Mrs. Henessey's property. The cautious nature of the essay can be portrayed effectively. After the humor settles, the message becomes clear that owning property can cause a man to lose his humble characteristics and gain apathetic qualities. To be better understood, Forster refers to Dante when he states that “possession is one with