Wuthering Heights is a Gothic novel. Gothic novels usually feature supernatural elements, ominous settings, and threats to young women, often involving imprisonment in an isolated mansion. The Gothic novel developed in the 18th century and remained popular during the Victorian era, and its popularity was associated with a rising interest in psychology and the subconscious, especially repressed desires. Author Emily Brontë incorporates supernatural elements, such as the possibility of ghosts, into her novel and presents Wuthering Heights as an archetypal Gothic building, full of dark and mysterious secrets. For example, when Lockwood first sees the house, he notes “the excessive slant of a few, stunted firs… and gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs as if craving alms of the sun.” Additionally, Cathy Linton’s storyline revolves around a young woman being held captive by an older, villainous male figure. However, earlier Gothic novels written in English were traditionally set outside England in locations such as Spain or Italy, while Brontë used the English setting of the Yorkshire moors.