Aepyornis Island, H. G. Wells: Summary, Analysis & Themes

‘Aepyornis Island’, also referred to as ‘Æpyornis Island’, is a captivating short story written by the renowned author H. G. Wells (1866-1946) in 1894. This tale first appeared in the Pall Mall Budget on December 27, 1894. The narrative can be classified as a Robinsonade, showcasing a man's struggle for survival on a deserted island. Summary of ‘Aepyornis Island’ The narrative structure of ‘Aepyornis Island’ employs a framed storytelling technique, which enhances the authenticity of the central plot. The story begins with a narrator who strikes up a conversation with a scarred individual, who shares his knowledge about orchids. As their discussion progresses, it transitions to the topic of an extinct flightless bird known as the Aepyornis. The scarred man's name is Butcher, and he recounts his harrowing expedition to a secluded island in the Indian Ocean, where he was ultimately abandoned by the natives who had initially brought him there. In a moment of desperation, Butcher shoo…