Cardinal Secrets in a World of Ivory: Cycles and Symbolism in 'Angels and Insects' Anonymous College

The flawless facade of the Alabaster manor masks the deep, dark, and diabolical secrets that manifest behind its closed doors. Dances, dialogues, and dinners all take place in this house—a house which, as Matilda “Matty” Crompton declares, “... now and then… simply decides that something must happen…” (Byatt 177). Through the dramatic and repetitive use of red and white, the film Angels and Insects not only amplifies and foreshadows the disturbing events that occur in the novella Angels and Insects by A.S. Byatt but also displays the helplessness of those who are trapped in an endless cycle of transgression and retribution.

Among the gaudy and vibrant colors lavishly displayed in the film, the color red is particularly significant because it reveals certain aspects of the characters associated with them. For instance, during the dinner scene in the film, Eugenia accidentally spills red wine on herself (00:13:35). In this scene, the red wine symbolizes blood, which makes several recurring appearances throughout both the film and the novella. The stain stands out on her light pink dress and highlights her vulnerability. It is so glaringly obvious and she seems very exposed for the world to see. Another interesting detail to point...