Antithesis

The theme of antithesis runs throughout the novel. In particular, it is seen in the character of Claude who detests the old classical painting but finds a strain of lyricism and romanticism still running through his veins. With Christine, it involves her repugnance at Claude's female nudes and her determination to be his model in order to work her way into his heart. It reoccurs frequently in the circumstance of how Claude and Sandoz prefer nature to urbanity but are inexplicably drawn to Paris. There is antithesis in Claude's feelings about women. On the one hand he has little use for them except as models, but on the other hand he adores the paintings and sketches he has done of models he quickly ushers out of his studio. In his low moments, Claude turns against painting as a false mistress while he is tortured by the knowledge that...