Importance of The Staircase in Lindon

The ornate staircase in Perina's childhood home, which he claims as his own but which eventually falls apart, represents and foreshadows Perina's reputation. In the same way as he paints the staircase with names of renowned scientists in recognition of the kind of success he wants to be, he works to ensure the growth of his own reputation. But then, in the same way as the staircase eventually falls apart, that reputation also falls apart.