To what extent do you agree that novels use a clash of opposites to present ideas?

Discuss you views with reference to a novel (or novels) you have studied. The novel revolves around the two very different settings of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross grange. Bronte juxtaposes the two houses to show how it is not our genetics that define who we are but the environment in which we grow up and live in. Wuthering Heights is a house with narrow windows deeply set in walls, corners defended with jutting stone and grotesque carvings. The inside has the same unwelcoming and gothic feel with villainous old guns on the wall. Wuthering Heights reflects the characters that live there- Heathcliff, Catherine and Hindley are the most obvious reflections of the house. They all are dark people with various appalling qualities. The purpose of Heathcliffs life is revenge, Catherine is selfish and Hindley is an alcoholic who almost kills his own child. This is a contrast to Edgar and Isabella Linton who have been brought up at Thrushcross Grange. Thrushcross Grange is a splendid place carpeted with crimson and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold. The house is undeniably an upper-class house, and so are its occupants. They are a complete contrast to those of Wuthering Heights. Edgar and Isabella, although spoilt, know how to act and behave in a manner acceptable in society and are elegant, reflecting on their upbringing. The contrast of the two families presents the idea to the reader that it is not biological factors that define who we are but how, where and by whom we have been brought up. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same and Lintons is as different as a moonbeam from lightening or frost from fire is what Catherine says when she is debating whether or not to marry Edgar Linton. Heathcliff and Catherines love is of the passionate kind; they are true soul mates. They are the meaning of each others existence and the loss of Catherine is this life is a factor in the madness that eventually drove Heathcliff to his grave. This is a contrast to the love Catherine feels for Edgar. Though she does love him, she knows the love is like the foliage in the woods: time will change it. Catherines love for Edgar is shallow and will change, she likes him for his looks, social status and riches, but she still loves him in a different way to that of the way she loves Heathcliff. She describes her love for Heathcliff as an eternal rock, something strong, tough and that would last forever. This contrast suggest to the reader that we can love more than one person at once and that different sorts of love exist, deep intense love like with Healthcliff and superficial flimsy love, the same as Edgar and Catherines love.