Here's a breakdown of key elements of the setting:
* Time Period: The story takes place in the early 1900s, likely around the 1910s or 1920s, as evidenced by the mention of events like the Great War and the presence of automobiles and early airplanes.
* Location: The main setting is a small, isolated town called "Gold Mountain" in the American Southwest. This town is nestled in a desolate, arid landscape, with canyons and mesas, a strong element of the book.
* Society: The town is deeply rooted in its mining history, with a strong sense of community and a reliance on gold as a source of wealth. However, the town is also struggling to adapt to changing times and the decline of the gold rush.
* Culture: The book blends elements of Western and Southwestern cultures, with a focus on Native American traditions, folklore, and beliefs, particularly around the curse that plagues the town.
The setting of "A Curse Dark as Gold" is crucial to the story's themes of fate, destiny, and the struggle to overcome the past. The harsh and unforgiving landscape symbolizes the challenges the characters face, while the town's cultural and social dynamics provide a framework for exploring themes of isolation, community, and the power of belief.