The Third Level

Question

'The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress.” What are the ways in which we attempt to overcome them?

Solution

We are all living in the modern world. It is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress. We have lost all our peace of mind. We can be butchered within moments. The use of atomic bombs and other fatal ammunition has made our lives like a hell. We do not have safety. The crimes are increasing day by day. There is utter chaos, confusion, fear, trouble terror and umemployment in the society. So the mind of every one has got stuck in the midst of tension and fear. There is so much violence, selfishness, despise and hatred in the world that none is ready to see the other progressing. The affluent nations are trying to overpower the developing and underdeveloped countries. There is constant competition of manufacturing, hoarding and developing dangerous weapons. Thus, the harsh realities of life make our living quite unpleasant and bitter. So we try to overcome them through day-dreaming and wishful thinking like Charley.

In the past our ancestors used to lead a free life. They did not need any refuge from reality. Things were pretty, nice and peaceful in those days. But Charley expresses his unhappiness and he wants to escape. So he wanders down into the Third Level. The writer has provided stamp collecting as a means of temporary refuge from reality. We can overcome all these problems through meditation and devising ways to the welfare of mankind.

Some More Questions From The Third Level Chapter

Would Charley ever go back to the ticket-counter on the Third Level to buy tickets to Galesburg for himself and his wife?

Do you think that the Third Level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?

What do you infer from Sam's letter to Charley?