The Third Level – Class 12, Chapter 1
Q1. What was the third level?
It was an imaginary level at Grand Central Station leading to 1894, symbolizing an escape from modern stress and fear.
Q2. How did Charley reach the third level?
Charley unknowingly took a path from the second level and found himself at the mysterious third level.
Q3. Why did the narrator talk to a psychiatrist?
Because no one believed him, the psychiatrist said it was a wish to escape reality due to stress.
Q4. Does Charley agree stamp collecting is escapism?
No, he believes it’s a harmless hobby, mentioning his grandfather and President Roosevelt as happy collectors.
Q5. How did Charley know it was 1894?
By the gaslights, old-fashioned clothing, watches, and general atmosphere of the station.
Q6. Why did Charley run away from the third level?
The clerk suspected him of fraud for using new currency, so Charley fled to avoid arrest.
Q7. Why could Charley never again find the third level?
It was imaginary—an escape from reality—and not physically accessible again.
Q8. Why couldn't Charley get to Galesburg again?
He couldn’t find the way to the third level again despite many attempts.
Q9. How did Sam reach Galesburg?
He bought old currency, found the third level, and went to 1894 Galesburg.
Q10. What had Sam written to Charley?
Sam confirmed the third level’s existence and told Charley to join him there.
Q11. What work did Sam do in Galesburg?
He started a hay, feed, and grain business, as no one needed a psychiatrist there.
Q12. How can one buy old money?
By visiting antique shops or coin dealers to exchange modern currency for old-style money.
Q13. Who was Sam Weiner?
Charley’s psychiatrist and friend who confirmed the third level and moved to 1894 Galesburg.
Q14. When and how did Charley find Sam’s letter?
While sorting stamps, he found Sam’s 1894-dated letter mailed to his grandfather’s address.
Q15. What is said about Galesburg?
It was a peaceful, simple town with big houses, calm evenings, and no wars nearby.
Q16. What happened at the ticket window?
The clerk got suspicious of Charley's modern currency and threatened to call the police.
Q17. Did Charley find the corridor again?
No, he never found it again as it was a creation of his imagination.
Q18. Where did Sam disappear and why?
He vanished after buying old currency, later found to be living in 1894 Galesburg.
Q19. What was stamp collection and its link?
Stamp collection, inherited from his grandfather, connected Charley to the past and revealed Sam’s letter
Long Answer Type Questions
Q1. What does Charley think of Grand Central? What did he discover there?
Charley thought Grand Central kept expanding like a tree with endless passages. One day, while heading to the second level, he discovered a mysterious stairway leading to the imaginary third level.
Q2. Describe briefly the scene at the station as seen by Charley.
The third level resembled 1894: dim lighting, old wooden booths, steam engines, brass spittoons, and people in vintage clothes. Charley saw everything resembling an 1890s setting with gaslights and old locomotives.
Q3. Briefly describe Charley's strange experience in the third level.
At the third level, Charley saw old trains, people in 1890s attire, and outdated currency. Newspapers were dated 1894. He tried to buy tickets but fled when the clerk got suspicious.
Q4. Who was the psychiatrist? What did he say about the third level?
Sam, Charley's friend and psychiatrist, said the third level was Charley’s imagination—an escape from stress. He called it a "waking-dream-wish-fulfilment" triggered by modern life's pressure and fear.
Q5. What was the third level? How was it described by psychiatrist Sam?
The third level was an imaginary place, symbolizing escape from modern chaos. Sam said it was a mental refuge, not reality—a subconscious creation to seek peace and calm from anxiety.
Q6. Write about the outcome of Charley's quest for the third level at Grand Central Station.
Charley failed to find the third level again. But after receiving Sam's 1894-dated letter from a stamp album, he resumed searching with Louisa, though it remained uncertain if they found it.
Q7. Describe the third level as per Charley. What did he do to make sure that he was in 1894? Why did he want to buy tickets?
Charley saw 1890s fashion, gaslights, steam trains, and read a newspaper dated 1894. He tried buying tickets to Galesburg for himself and Louisa to escape modern stress and live peacefully.
Q8. Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?
Yes, the third level represented an escape from modern-day anxiety. Charley longed for a simpler, peaceful past. Sam agreed it was a fantasy created by Charley’s subconscious to relieve stress.
Q9. What do you infer from Sam's letter to Charley?
Sam’s 1894 letter confirmed he found the third level and moved to Galesburg. Though once skeptical, he sought the same escape. The letter deepens the mystery—was it real or imagined?
I am a lecturer at Saraswati Inter College Bharat Bhari.I have comleted MA And D.el.ed If you have any problems in provided study material you can contact Whatsapp No. 9172644126
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon