VISION INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
GRADE 12 SUBJECT ENGLISH
SR1 Third Level
1. Why did the booking clerk refuse to accept the money offered by Charley?
Ans. The booking clerk refused to accept the money offered by Charley as it was different
from a different time. In 1894, the currency used was different from that was usually used by
Charley in his time.
[Link] did Charley run away from the third level?
Ans. Charley wanted to buy two tickets to Galesburg but the clerk at the station thought that
his notes were fake. He thought that Charley was attempting to fool him. He warned him that
he would call the police. Seeing that there was nothing good about police and jail in 1894 as
well, Charley ran away.
3. 'My three hundred dollars bought less than two hundred in old style bills, but I
didn't care,
What prompted Charley to compromise on less value of money?
Ans. Charley wasn't troubled by receiving less money because his immediate concern was
the necessity of obtaining cash for his escape. In "The Third Level', his priority lay in
securing funds rather than the exact amount, demonstrating his urgency to leave the present
reality behind and seek refuge in the mysterious third level of Grand Central Station.
4. Why was Charley fascinated with Galesburg?
Ans. Charley was fascinated with and wanted to go to Galesburg, Illinois because he wanted
to go to a place away from the modern world which is full of stress, war, fear, etc. The
Galesburg Charley wanted to visit was a world before the World Wars, when there was no
violence and everybody lived in peace.
[Link] work did Sam set for in Galesburg? Why?
or What would Sam have done in Galesburg for his living? Why?
Ans. Sam set himself up in a hay, feed and grain business because he could not continue
his old profession in Galesburg. In 1894, everyone was happy and contended so no one
needed a psychiatrist.
[Link] the significance of both literal and metaphorical journeys in the story, "The
Third Level".
Ans. The story "The Third Level' refers to both a literal and metaphorical journey. The literal
journey involves Charley, the protagonist discovering a supposed third level at the Grand
Central Station. The metaphorical journey is Charley's inner longing for a simpler, more
reassuring past. These journeys are significant as they present the common or universal
quest for happiness and fulfillment.
[Link] behaves like a perfect wife. Give evidence from "The Third Level' in support
of the above statement.
Ans. In "The Third Level', Louisa embodies the ideal wife by supporting her husband
Charley's unconventional beliefs in the existence of a third level at Grand Central Station.
Despite initial doubts, she listens empathetically and remains supportive as Charley
becomes absorbed in his quest. Louisa's unwavering support and patience reflect her
portrayal as a devoted and understanding partner.
8. How does 'The Third Level' blend fantasy with reality?
Ans. "The Third Level' blends fantasy with reality by discovering a hidden subway station
that connects to a parallel world from the past. Charley's exploration of this mysterious level
blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, challenging his perception of time and reality.
9. 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'.
Ans. Monday, 20th July
Dear Diary
Charley is worrying me with all this third level drama. When he told me about it, I was
shocked. For so many years we have been travelling from the Grand Central Station and
never had we heard about its third level. I took him to his friend, Sam. And what he told me
surprised me. Charley was not happy. Why was he not happy?
I really do not know what to do now? Even Sam is missing and Charley believes he is in
1894 Galesburg. How absurd is that? I have to talk to Charley about it and dissuade him
from doing anything wrong.
Louisa
10. Sam's letter to Charley is an interesting feature that adds to the theme of fancy
and imagination. Comment.
Ans. From the reading of the story "The Third Level', we can say that Sam's letter to Charley
is an interesting feature that adds to the theme of fancy and imagination. Sam's letter was
found in the oldest first day covers of Charley's grandfather. It was dated 18th July, 1894
and was written from Galesburg, Illinois. This means that Sam had found the third level and
escaped. Although he diagnosed Charley's problem as an escape from the modern life, he
himself had been bothered by the humdrum of modern existence and frustrations. In the
letter, he asks Charley and Louisa to keep looking for the third level as 'It's worth it'.
The reader is not surprised by Sam's letter to Charley but instinctively questions how a letter
was found in an old first-day cover in grandfather's collection. Charley feels puzzled when he
realises that the letter was addressed to him and not to his grandfather although the address
on the envelope was of his grandfather. Moreover, like the third level it is possible that the
letter could be a figment of Charley's imagination. Thus, the letter gives an interesting angle
to the story and makes the reader curious.
Practice question
1. How does Charley describe himself?
2. What was the shocking discovery made by Charley when he was going through the first
day covers of his grandfather's collection?
3. Charlie's desperate attempt to find the third level reflects his frustration with the modern
world. What aspects of the modern would have led to Charlie's frustration?
4. Describe briefly the scene at the third level of Grand Central Station as seen (or seemed
to be seen) by Charley.
5. The story invites readers to reflect on their own desires for escapism and the interplay
between dreams and reality.
Based on 'The Third Level', describe two adjustments you would need to make if you were to
visit the third level of Grand Central Station, apart from dealing with the currency change.
Answer in 100-120 words.