What secrets and connections can be discovered by listening to family stories on the staircase?

The staircase in Anne-Marie Oomen's "House of Fields" serves as a pivotal location for the narrator to glean secrets and forge connections by eavesdropping on family stories. It's a "secret library, the place where knowledge is garnered," offering a unique vantage point into the lives and histories of her family members. By positioning herself on the staircase, the narrator gains access to information and perspectives that would otherwise remain hidden.

One significant secret revealed on the staircase is the history of the family home itself. She overhears a conversation about how "this house was built around another house," a revelation that sparks her imagination and deepens her connection to the land and her family's past. This discovery transforms her perception of the house, making her see it as "something even older than our farmhouse, to see how it was passed through, how we pass through it even now."

Furthermore, the staircase provides insight into the dynamics and relationships within the family. By listening to adult conversations, she learns "who is in trouble, who is praised," gaining a nuanced understanding of her family's values and expectations. She also witnesses pivotal moments in her siblings' lives, such as Marijo's first period, solidifying the staircase as a place of shared experience and transition.

The act of listening on the staircase also fosters a sense of connection to her family's heritage and values. She observes "the old words of loyalty and reliability all over their faces," recognizing the importance of family bonds and shared history. This connection is further strengthened by the stories she hears, which provide a sense of continuity and belonging. The staircase, therefore, becomes more than just a physical structure; it's a conduit for intergenerational knowledge and a space where the narrator develops a deeper understanding of her family and herself.