In A Deal in Ostriches, H. G. Wells delivers a witty and satirical short story centered on the absurdities of human ambition, vanity, and the unpredictable nature of business ventures. The story follows two enterprising men who embark on a scheme to profit from ostrich farming, lured by the booming demand for ostrich feathers in late Victorian society. As their venture unfolds, what begins as a hopeful moneymaking enterprise quickly spirals into chaos, revealing the folly of their plans and the comic misadventures that follow. With sharp irony and keen social observation, Wells critiques the fads and economic illusions of his time, crafting a lighthearted yet insightful tale about human folly, the unpredictability of success, and the often-absurd nature of get-rich-quick schemes.
