"Angels & Insects: Two Novellas" is a collection by A.S. Byatt that includes two stories, "Morpho Eugenia" and "The Conjugial Angel." Set against the backdrop of the Victorian era, these novellas explore themes of science, nature, and human relationships. Byatt intricately weaves entomology and the study of insects with deeper philosophical questions about love and existence, illustrating how the natural world intersects with human lives.
The first novella, "Morpho Eugenia," focuses on the life of a naturalist who becomes enchanted by a butterfly and the complexity of human interactions within a society plagued by social hierarchy. It delves into the idea of order and chaos in both nature and personal relationships, showcasing the duality of beauty and danger.