BIOGRAPHY

 Jack Finney’s first novel, ‘5 Against the House’, was published in 1954. It was made into a movie
the following year.
 Finney's greatest success came with his science fiction novel Time and Again (1970). It involves
time travel to the past, a theme he had experimented with previously in short stories.
 In 1987, Finney was given the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement at the World Fantasy
Convention.
 He lived in Mill Valley, California, and died of pneumonia and emphysema in Greenbrae,
California, at the age of 84.
THEME
 The lesson explores the science fiction genre of ‘time travel’.
 The author interweaves fantasy with reality in his projection of time travel.
 It is a story that weaves together a psychological journey into the past and present.
 The lesson highlights the harsh realities of War. War has irreversible consequences thus leaving
people in a state of insecurity.
 Charley, the protagonist, wishes to be transported to the third level, the world of Galesburg,
Illinois, 1894.
 The story also deals with theme of escapism as a psychological refuge from the grim realities of
the present day world.
 It is also about modern day problems and how common man tends to escape reality by various
means.
Read and Find Out ( Page 1 & 5)
1. What does the third level refer to ?
Ans: The third level refers to the medium of escape from the present into the past. It is a psychological
adventure for Charley for whom it is an escape from the current day worries, anxieties and tensions.
2. Would Charley ever go back to the ticket-counter on the third level to buy tickets to Galesburg for
himself and his wife?
Ans: Third Level is a psychological adventure for Charley only. In reality it does not exist. His friend Sam
refers to it as 'a waking -dream wish fulfilment only. Therefore, there is no possibility for Charley to ever
go back to the ticket -counter on the third level to buy tickets for himself and his wife.
Reading with Insight ( Page 7/Vistas)
CBE Questions with Answers
1. Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?
Ans: For Charley the third level was a medium of escape . -a waking -dream wish fulfilment only. He
could discover that the modern world was replete with insecurity, fear, war and stress. Therefore, he
became nostalgic and travelled psychologically to the past in Galesburg of 1894.
2. What do you infer from Sam's letter to Charley?
Ans: Sam was influenced by Charley's insistence on the existence of third level at Grand Central Station.
Like Charley he too became stressed from modern day anxiety, fear and tension . Therefore, he escaped
into his imaginary world of third level. Sam's letter proves the fact that he was influenced by the
Charley's ideas about the third level. The details of Galesburg and the year 1894 , which Sam furnished
in his letter, goes on to prove that Sam himself liked the place and endorsed the fact that the third level
does exist.
3. 'The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress.' What are the ways in which we
attempt to overcome them?
Ans: The modern world is replete with workplace pressure, societal pressure and other inescapable
burdens of existence. We cannot just bypass them as they are the inevitable truth of life. As we cannot
avoid them, we should learn to live with them. Insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress have become
embedded into the society owing to pursuit of matter and greed for astronomical attainment in life by
the society at large.
Therefore, every human being has to pass through this inevitable fact of life. They need to come to
terms with every crisis - disaster, war, death and so on. They should remain preoccupied with their
respective works, do their woks sincerely with utmost devotion and loyalty and leave the rest to the
hands of the circumstances. We must understand that what cannot be cured must be endured.
4. Do you see an intersection of time and space in the story?
The story is an example of intersection of time and space. It can be divided into modern world and the
world of the 1890s.
Firstly, two levels of Grand Central Station highlights the present time where as the third level belongs
to the world of Galesburg, Illinois of 1890s. Moreover, the architecture of two levels of Grand Central is
different from that of the third level.
Secondly, the reference of the writer of 21st century through the mention of New York Central , New
York, New Haven , Hartford and of olden time with the reference of Galesburg, Illinois of 1890s clearly
presents an intersection of time and space. His visit to the third level of Grand Central and the
description of the place indicates the world of the nineteenth century.
Thirdly, Charley and his his wife Louisa belong to the modern time, yet he rushes to get two tickets to
visit Galesburg of 1894 points to intersection of time and space.
Fourthly, the reference of letter that was mailed to Charley's grandfather on July 18, 1894 also hints at
intersection of time and space as both Charley and Sam belong to the modern world.
5. Apparent illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection. Discuss.
After reading the story we get to know that Charley was interested in travelling to Galesburg with his
wife Louisa. However, he couldn’t locate the third level again.
The first time round, he found the third level by accident. When he reached the ticket-counter, he
realised that the currency he had with him was not useful as it belonged to a different period.
He went back to convert his three hundred dollars into the “old-style currency” that could enable him to
buy two tickets to Galesburg. However, when he returned to the Grand Central, he could not find the
corridor leading to the third level. His psychological journey is an instance of illogicality.
We can conclude that our minds tend to go back to the past , which is an escape route to get rid of
unpleasant reality around. But there may be an indication of some futuristic projecton like the
catastrophe theory given in ' The Adventure' by Jayant Narlikar.
6. 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?
Ans: Philately refers to the collection and study of postage stamps. Stamp collecting certainly makes us
nostalgic and gives way to the past world as it has pictures of the people or things of the past. We love
to ruminate over the facts and figures of the past when the pictures on the stamps make us feel curious
to do research on things that interest us. For instance, the narrator’s seeing the stamps and first-day
covers brings to life the past of his grandfather.
The other ways in which we can keep the past alive include letter, photographs, historical monuments,
paintings and so on.
Human beings by nature love to switch between the past, present and future. Past, present and future
are interconnected. What we are today is due to our action in the past, and what we shall be tomorrow
is due to our action today. So every course of action is related to the past, present and the future.
Existential worries act like a catalyst, which compel human mind to move between the past, the present
and the future. ‘ The Third Level’ is a study of the human mind caught in this cycle of time.
7. You have rad ‘Adventure’ by Jayant Narlikar in Hornbill Class XI. Compare the interweaving of
fantasy and reality in the two chapters.
Adventure by Jayant Narlikar supports the catastrophe theory with the help of Professor Gaitonde. He
went through the book on the Battle of Panipat and went to the Azad Maidan. The catastrophic
influence affected his mind and he read something else in the book later. Similarly in ‘The Third Level’
Charley’s psychiatrist friend Sam diagnoses him as a product of ‘a waking-dream wish fulfilment.’ It is
due to Charley’s escap from the modern world of insecurity , fear, war, worry etc When Charley tells his
experience of third level to Sam, it strikes his mind that one can visit Galesburg from the third level.
Therefore, with the help of catastrophic theory he started thinking of Galesburg and psychologically
went there. Charley may have also visited to Galesburg through stamp seeing. Sam’s letter and Charley’s
previous visit to Galesburg goes on to prove that there is an interweaving of fantasy and fact into these
two stories.
Extra Questions
Q1. What does the narrator think of Grand Central? What does it symbolize?
Ans :The narrator thinks that Grand Central is growing like a tree. It pushes out new corridors and
staircases like roots. There are long tunnels under the city on their ways to Times Square and to Central
Park.
The Grand Central symbolizes the labyrinth that this world is with its intricate and tangled pathways. It
has always been an exit, a way to escape.
Q2. What strange things did the narrator see when he reached the third level of Grand Central?
Ans :Charley noticed a difference in the way things looked at the third level of the Grand Central Station.
It was smaller, with fewer ticket counters and had an old look of the 1890s with wooden booths, dim
open-flame gaslights, brass spittoons and an old-style locomotive with a funnel shaped stack. Even the
people’s attire was old fashioned and men had funny handle-bar mustaches and sideburns. The whole
setting was in contrast to the modern times.
Q3. How did the narrator come to know that he was actually at the third level of Grand Central?
Ans :The narrator walked over to a news boy. He glanced at the stack of newspapers. It was The World
and The World had not been published for years. The lead story was about President Cleveland. Later
on, he confirmed from the public library files that the newspaper was dated 11th June 1894.
Q4. How does the narrator’s psychiatrist friend react to the narrator’s statement that the third level
exists?
Ans :The narrator’s psychiatrist friend, Sam Weiner, says it is ‘a waking-dream-wish fulfilment’. He says
that the narrator is unhappy and the modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war and worry. So, he
wants to escape and has created an imaginary third level
Q 5. How did Louisa react when the narrator told his wish to go to the third level to buy tickets?
Ans :When the narrator told Louisa about his wish she got pretty worried. She was a loving and a caring
wife. She got alarmed at Charley’s claim of having been to the third level. His exchanging the currency
was a cause of concern. She thought the third level to be a product of Charley’s imagination and asked
him to stop looking for it. However, after some time they both started looking for the third level.
Q6. What happened to the narrator’s psychiatrist friend Sam Weiner?
Ans : One day the narrator’s psychiatrist friend Sam Weiner disappeared. He always said that he liked
Galesburg very much and its sound. From this I deduce that even Sam was affected by the stress of
modern living and sought temporary refuge by travelling through time.
Q7. Why was Charley sure that his psychiatrist friend had gone back to the year 1894 in Galesburg?
Ans :Charley’s psychiatrist friend Sam had disappeared. One night going through his first-day covers,
Charley found one dated 1894 and with his Grandfather’s address on it. He opened and found inside a
letter from Sam addressed to him. He invited him to the third level saying that it was worth it.
Q8. What is the first-day cover? Describe the first-day cover envelope that the narrator found among
his collection.
Ans : At that time when a new stamp is issued, stamp collectors buy some of them and use them in
order to mail envelopes to themselves and the postmark proves the date. That envelope is called the
firstday cover.
The first-day cover envelope was dated July 18, 1894. It was addressed to his grandfather in Galesburg.
It carried a letter from Sam addressed to Charley. The stamp was a six-cent, dull brown, with a picture of
President Garfield.
Q9. What did the narrator find about Sam Weiner when he went to the stamp and coin store?
Ans :When the narrator went to the stamp and coin store he came to know that Sam had bought eight
hundred dollars worth of old currency. That ought to set him up in a nice little hay, feed and grain
business. He always wanted to do that. He didn’t want to go back to his old business. Not in Galesburg,
Illinois, in 1894, Charley felt that the services of a psychiatrist would not be needed in Galesburg of
1894, his friend would be jobless there.
CBE-Based Questions:
Q1. What would have Sam done in Galesburg for his living? Why? [CBSE 2020]
Ans: Given the time period in which Sam finds himself in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1894, it's likely that he
would have pursued a livelihood that aligns with the prevalent economic activities and opportunities of
that era. One plausible option for Sam's living could be:
Establishing a Business:
Sam might have used a portion of the old-style currency he purchased to start a business, considering
that he always wished he could own a hay, feed, and grain business. The agricultural nature of Galesburg
and the surrounding areas during that time would have provided ample opportunities for such
enterprises. Sam's familiarity with city life and his desire for a more straightforward lifestyle could have
led him to embrace the agricultural sector as a means of earning a living.
Q2. What would you describe as your “waking dream wish fulfilment”? Explain. [CBSE Question Bank
2021]
"Waking-dream wish fulfillment," as explained by Sam, refers to the phenomenon of experiencing a
dreamlike scenario that fulfills one's deepest desires or wishes while being awake. In the context of the
story, the Third Level at Grand Central Station serves as a manifestation of this concept.
Q3. What genre does ‘The Third Level’ belong to?
"The Third Level" by Jack Finney belongs to the science fiction and fantasy genre. The story explores the
concept of time travel and the existence of a mysterious third level at Grand Central Station that allows
characters to escape to the past.
Q4. Why do you think Charley withdrew nearly all the money he had from the bank to buy old-style
currency? [CBSE Question Bank 2021]
Ans: Charley withdrew nearly all the money he had from the bank to buy old-style currency because he
needed it to make purchases on the Third Level at Grand Central Station. When he initially tried to buy
tickets with modern currency, the clerk rejected it, considering it counterfeit. To avoid suspicion and
ensure a successful transaction, Charley exchanged his modern money for old-style bills, matching the
currency used in the year 1894 on the Third Level. This decision was driven by Charley's determination
to explore the mysterious Third Level and his understanding that the currency of the time was necessary
for any transactions in that unique temporal space.
Q5. How would you evaluate Sam’s character? Elucidate any two qualities, and substantiate with
evidence from the text. [CBSE Question Bank 2021]
Ans: 1. Curiosity and Adventurous Spirit:
Sam's character displays a strong sense of curiosity and an adventurous spirit. He actively explores the
mysterious Third Level, embracing the idea of time travel and the opportunity to experience life in a
different era. The evidence for this quality is found in Sam's letter, where he expresses his excitement
about finding the Third Level: "I got to wishing that you were right. Then I got to believing you were
right. And, Charley, it’s true; I found the third level!"
2. Willingness to Embrace Change:
Sam exhibits a willingness to embrace change by choosing to stay in the past once he discovers the
Third Level. Instead of being apprehensive about the unfamiliar environment of 1894, Sam fully
immerses himself in the experience, even enjoying social interactions with people from that time. The
evidence lies in his letter, describing the atmosphere in Galesburg, "someone is playing a piano, and
they’re all out on the front porch singing ‘Seeing Nelly Home.’ And I’m invited over for lemonade."
Sam's character is marked by a combination of curiosity and adaptability, making him open to
unconventional experiences and willing to explore the unknown.
Q6. At the beginning of the story, Sam is sceptical of Charley’s discovery of the third level. By the end
of the story, the reader is told that he found the third level and travelled back in time. How would
Sam diagnose himself? [CBSE Question Bank 2021]
If Sam were to diagnose himself, considering his initial skepticism and eventual embrace of the Third
Level and time travel, he might attribute his transformation to a shift in perspective or a reevaluation of
his beliefs. Sam could diagnose himself with a change in mindset or a newfound openness to
unconventional possibilities. This transformation could be described as a realization of the potential for
extraordinary experiences beyond the constraints of conventional thinking, possibly aligning with
concepts of personal growth and a broadening of one's worldview. However, as the story doesn't
explicitly delve into Sam's self-diagnosis or psychological analysis, this interpretation remains
speculative.
Q7. Imagine that you come across Louisa’s diary. What might you find in it about the third level?
Compose at least one diary entry based on any of the events from the story, ‘The Third Level’. [CBSE
Question Bank 2021]
Ans: Diary Entry - Louisa's Perspective:
July 25, 2024
Today has been an extraordinary day, and I feel compelled to document it in my diary. Charley has been
persistent in his search for the elusive Third Level at Grand Central Station, and I couldn't help but share
his skepticism initially. However, something remarkable happened.
Charley returned home with an old-fashioned envelope in his hands, and inside was a letter from Sam.
Yes, our dear Sam, the one who doubted the existence of the Third Level. In disbelief, I read Sam's
words recounting his journey back in time to 1894. His descriptions of Galesburg, Illinois, and the
simplicity of life there were vivid, almost enchanting.
I find myself torn between skepticism and a yearning to believe. Could Charley's discovery be true?
Sam's letter seems genuine, and the presence of a first-day cover mailed to my grandfather in 1894 adds
a layer of credibility. Charley's excitement is infectious, and now, we embark on a joint quest every
weekend to find this mysterious Third Level.
Is it a waking-dream wish fulfillment, as Sam initially thought? Or could there be a portal to another time
right under our noses? Time will tell, and I can't help but feel a mix of apprehension and exhilaration as
we continue this intriguing journey.

Q8. Imagine that you have found the third level. Would you take this opportunity to travel to the
past or let it go? Why/why not? If yes, where would you go from the Grand Central?
Ans: The choice to travel to the past or let the opportunity go would likely depend on individual
preferences, attachments, and motivations. Some might be drawn to the allure of a simpler time, free
from the complexities of the modern world. Others might choose to remain in the present, valuing the
advancements and opportunities that come with contemporary living.
If one were to decide to travel to the past from the Grand Central Third Level, the destination would be
a deeply personal choice. It could be a place with sentimental value, a historical period of interest, or
simply a desire to experience a different era. Galesburg, Illinois, as mentioned in the story, might be a
popular choice due to its idyllic portrayal in the narrative. The decision would hinge on individual
aspirations, nostalgia, and the desire for a particular time and place.