62 pages • 2 hours read
The Staircase in the Woods
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Chapters 53-70Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence, death, child death, child sexual abuse, child abuse, emotional abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harm, substance use, and cursing.
Chapter 53 Summary: “Between”
Hamish and Lore break through the drywall in the Bottle Room. He notices that the studs are erratically placed and that the configuration of pipes and wires makes little sense. In this crawlspace, Lore feels better. They find an empty soup can and assume that Matty was in the crawlspace at some point too. Lore and Hamish decide to explore this space further.
Chapter 54 Summary: “It’s Time for Some Game Theory”
Owen’s mind keeps returning to the idea of video games, and he assesses Marshie’s room carefully to see if anything is different from his last visit. Owen can’t remember how long it has been since they climbed the staircase, but he knows that they need to try different things in order to discover more information about this house. Feeling conflicted, he drops to his knees to look under the bed and finds Marshie.
Chapter 55 Summary: “Clipping”
In the crawlspace, Lore feels that she and Hamish are making progress. She can tell that the crawlspace should turn where the room does, but it keeps going straight; she compares the experience to “clipping” in a video game, as the crawlspace is clearly outside the designed area where players are meant to move. She notes that it is easier to be calm in the crawlspace than in the rooms.
