The Third Level
Sam's letter is a fine blend of both reality and fantasy. Explain.
The psychiatrist of Charley called him having a waking-dream-wish-fulfilment. Since the Third Level was all his fantasy, his wife Louisa too asked him not to look for the Third Level anymore. The narrator took to stamp collecting. One day while looking through his worthy collection, Charley noticed a “first day cover” which he believed not to have seen before. This cover was addressed to his grandfather and mailed to him at his home in Galesburg. It was on July 18, 1894. Definitely his grandfather must have put it in his collection and the same must be lying there since long. Since it was a “first day cover”, consequently, it was not opened.
There was a blank paper in it. By chance Charley opened it. On opening it was found that it had a letter from Sam. He had reached Galesburg and was living very happily. He had found the place very charming, peaceful and serene. It was also written in the letter that Charley should come to Galesburg and look for the Third Level. In other words, the letter appeared to be Charley's imagination like his escape into the Third Level. The psychiatrist too had warned him that his stamp collection was a mode of escaping into the past.
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'The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress.” What are the ways in which we attempt to overcome them?
Do you see an intersection of time and space in the story?
Apparent illogically sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection. Discuss.
Philately helps keep the past alive. Discuss other ways in which this is done. What do you think of the human tendency to constantly move between the past, the present and the future?
You have read ‘Adventure’ by Jayant Narlikar in Hornbill class XI. Compare the interweaving of fantasy and reality in the two stories.
Why does Charley say that Grand Station is growing like a tree in the story “The Third Level”?
Or
What happens when Charley enters the Grand Central Station?
How did Charley happen to reach the Third Level of Grand Central Station, New York?
What convinced Charley that he had reached the third level at Grand Central Station and not the second level?
What specific difference did Charley notice at the Third Level of Grand Central Station?
What does Sam, a psychiatrist friend of Charley, opine about Charley and his visit to the Third Level?
Or
Do you think that the Third Level was a medium of escape for Charlie? Why?Sponsor Area
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