Summary of “The Third Level”
"The Third Level" is a psychological short story that revolves around
Charley, a 31-year-old man who seeks to escape the realities of his life.
The story is set in the grand central railway station, where Charley
discovers a subway that leads to Galesburg. The third level of this
subway becomes an interconnection between Charley's harsh reality
and his fantasy world, which he sees as a means of escape from the
uncertainties and stress of modern life. Charley's friend describes this
world as a "walking dream wish fulfilment."
The story also explores the relationship between time and space, as
Charley travels to a different world in a different time period. The third
level becomes an escape from the present-day world for Charley, and
he cherishes the time he spends in this alternate world. The story
starts with a letter from Charley's friend, Sam, dated July 18, 1984,
which leads Charley to discover the third level.
Overall, "The Third Level" is a poignant exploration of the human
tendency to seek refuge from the challenges of everyday life, and the
power of imagination to provide a means of escape.
The setting of the story is in New York's Grand Central Station which
consists of two levels. However, the protagonist, Charley, claims that
there is a third level which he has been to. To discuss his experiences,
he consults his psychiatrist friend who explains Charley's tendency to
escape from the world due to the fear, insecurity, war, and worries
that come with modern life. His friend believes that everyone seeks a
temporary refuge from reality, and for Charley, stamp collection
serves as a means of escape.
Charley finds the Grand Central Station confusing at times and has lost
his way a couple of times. Once, he ended up in the lobby of the
Roosevelt Hotel and another time, in an office building three blocks
away. However, during one of his lost moments, something unique
happens - he discovers the third level.
"The Third Level" is a psychological short story that revolves around
Charley, a 31-year-old man who seeks to escape the realities of his life.
The story is set in the grand central railway station, where Charley
discovers a subway that leads to Galesburg. The third level of this
subway becomes an interconnection between Charley's harsh reality
and his fantasy world, which he sees as a means of escape from the
uncertainties and stress of modern life. Charley's friend describes this
world as a "walking dream wish fulfilment."
The story also explores the relationship between time and space, as
Charley travels to a different world in a different time period. The third
level becomes an escape from the present-day world for Charley, and
he cherishes the time he spends in this alternate world. The story
starts with a letter from Charley's friend, Sam, dated July 18, 1984,
which leads Charley to discover the third level.
Overall, "The Third Level" is a poignant exploration of the human
tendency to seek refuge from the challenges of everyday life, and the
power of imagination to provide a means of escape.
The setting of the story is in New York's Grand Central Station which
consists of two levels. However, the protagonist, Charley, claims that
there is a third level which he has been to. To discuss his experiences,
he consults his psychiatrist friend who explains Charley's tendency to
escape from the world due to the fear, insecurity, war, and worries
that come with modern life. His friend believes that everyone seeks a
temporary refuge from reality, and for Charley, stamp collection
serves as a means of escape.
Charley finds the Grand Central Station confusing at times and has lost
his way a couple of times. Once, he ended up in the lobby of the
Roosevelt Hotel and another time, in an office building three blocks
away. However, during one of his lost moments, something unique
happens - he discovers the third level.
