How does Emily Bronte use setting as a Gothic element in Wuthering Heights?

Discuss with reference to three key incidents from throughout the text. Make close reference to language and narrative techniques.
Emily Bronte uses setting as a gothic element to clearly represent Heathcliff as the curse of Wuthering Heights. This is evident in three key parts of the book: Volume one chapters one to three, Volume two chapter three, and Volume two chapter eighteen. In Volume one chapters one to three, Bronte uses setting to give us an impression that Wuthering Heights is wild, and does not follow the conventions of normal civilization. This is conveyed through the biased first-person narration of Lockwood. Through his experiences, it seems as though Wuthering Heights is controlled by the wild forces of nature, and the inhabitants within, are also affected by this. The gates are all locked and barred upon his arrival, with Heathcliff barring his way. The north wind, which is supposed to be refreshing, is instead tumultuous, bending the trees under its force. The inhabitants as well, do not follow cultural conventions. Heathcliff is rude to Lockwood, and does not act like a proper host should. Although Mrs Heathcliff looks cultured, she has a sharp tongue and also does not treat Lockwood like a proper hostess should. There are hardly any servants in the house, once again reflecting on how uncultured they are compared to the norm. Even their dogs are wild, adopting the same attitude as their owners. Catherine Lintons ghosts appearance itself is a huge signal of the abnormality of the Heights, and her raw feelings of desperation show that she too is full of the uncontrollable spirit of nature. This introduction to the Heights through the setting shows how cursed and out of the norm the place is. Isabellas recount of her escape to Thrushcross Grange in Volume two chapter three shows the ability of Heathcliff to change a person to act like wild beasts. This is shown through the contrast between Isabella and the setting of Thrushcross Grange. When we are first introduced to Isabella, she is the epitome of culture. Her manners, speech and dress all reflect those of an upper class woman. However, when she runs to Thrushcross Grange in escape from Wuthering Heights, she is everything but cultured. Her laugh is carefree and untimely, her dress is muddy, and not the type a proper lady should be wearing. As she recounts her tale of escape, we see that her personality has become more accepting of emotions, and she does not control them. She is full of malice and spite and constantly finds ways to harm Heathcliff with words as an act of revenge. Nelly exclaims that it is like she has never opened a bible in her whole life. This is further emphasized because of the fact that she is standing in the living room of Thrushcross Grange, a place epitomising culture. The clean, neat furniture and other surroundings in the area highlight the muddy state of Isabella. This contrast clearly proves that Heathcliff is the curse of Wuthering Heights, and because of him, many people, including Isabella, Cathy and Hareton are affected by nature and turn wild. The happy ending seen in Volume two chapter eighteen confirms that Heathcliff is a curse. The setting if the Heights is a complete contrast to what we have known it to be for the majority of the story. Once again, we are introduced to the scene through Lockwoods eyes. This helps to emphasise the change as we find a sense of dj vu. The gates to the Heights are open, and nothing is barring Lockwoods way, contrary to when he first visited the place. The area around him is a lot calmer, with no wild north wind, and a fragrance of flowers in the air. Once again, he meets Cathy and Hareton, but this time, they are calm, carefree and have a playful atmosphere around them. This change is all due to the lack of Heathcliffs presence, therefore proving that he is the curse of Wuthering Heights. Through the setting, Bronte has been able to convey that Heathcliff is the curse of Wuthering Heights. When he is alive in the book, the setting of the Heights is extremely dark and wild, and anyone who comes in contact with him faces bad consequences. However when he dies, the setting of Wuthering Heights changes, becoming more gentle and carefree. Through contrast and first person narration, this gothic element is conveyed.