Get into the captivating world of Jack Finney’s short story, “The Third Level,” through our comprehensive coverage of NCERT Questions and Answers for Class 12 English. Studying NCERT book Q&A are must for your understanding and exam preparation!
Intext-questions and Answers: Chapter. ‘The Third Level’
In-text questions are embedded alongside the main story “The Third Level” in the Class 12 English Core NCERT textbook “Vistas” under the section ‘Read and Find Out’. These questions assist in analysing and assessing the readers’ comprehension.
Read and Find Out
Q. What does the third level refer to?
Ans. The third level refers to a secret platform at Grand Central Station that takes people to the past, specifically the year 1894. However, it is not real; it exists only in Charley’s imagination.
Q. Would Charley ever go back to the ticket-counter on the third level to buy tickets to Galesburg for himself and his wife?
Ans. No, Charley could not find the third level again, even though he searched for it many times. However, he and his wife still keep looking for it, hoping to go there.
NCERT Question and Answers: Chapter ‘The Third Level’
Reading with Insight
1. Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?
Yes, the third level was Charley’s way of escaping from the stress and problems of the modern world. His psychiatrist said that people often look for ways to escape reality when they feel insecure or worried. Charley wanted to go back to 1894 because he thought life was peaceful and simple back then.
OR
Yes, it was Charley’s way of escaping from his everyday worries and the harshness of the modern world. In his life, he was surrounded by stress, fear, and uncertainty. The idea of a secret, hidden level that could take him back to a simpler, more peaceful time (1894) was like a dream come true. It gave him hope and a temporary break from his troubles.
2. What do you infer from Sam’s letter to Charley?
Sam’s letter proves that the third level might be real, or at least real in Charley’s imagination. The letter is postmarked 1894 and invites Charley and Louisa to Galesburg. It suggests that Sam also wanted to escape from the modern world and successfully reached the past.
OR
Sam’s letter tells us that he has also experienced the third level and has chosen to live in the past, in 1894. His letter is filled with excitement and invitation, showing that he finds happiness and peace there. It implies that the third level is not just a figment of Charley’s imagination, but a real place where one can escape from the modern world. The letter also hints at mystery, as Sam has disappeared from the present, leaving Charley with the possibility of joining him.
3. ‘The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry, and stress.’ What are the ways in which we attempt to overcome them?
People try different ways to escape stress. Some engage in hobbies like reading, painting, or stamp collecting, like Charley. Others travel, meditate, or listen to music to relax. Some people seek professional help, while others spend time with family and friends to feel better.
OR
People try to overcome these problems in various ways:
- Seeking Comfort: Many turn to hobbies, sports, or creative arts like music and reading to distract themselves.
- Relaxation and Wellness: Some practice meditation, yoga, or exercise to reduce stress.
- Social Connections: Spending time with family and friends can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
- Escapism: Like Charley, some escape into movies, books, or even daydreams about a simpler past or a better future.
- Problem-Solving: Others try to change their circumstances by looking for new opportunities or by improving their lives through education and career changes.
4. Do you see an intersection of time and space in the story?
Yes, the story blends time and space. Charley, a modern-day man, unexpectedly enters the third level, which takes him to 1894. Grand Central Station becomes a bridge between the past and present. Sam’s letter further strengthens this mix of time periods, making the past seem real in the present.
OR
Yes, the story mixes different times and places. The hidden third level at a modern train station connects the present with the past (1894). This blend shows that time and space can unexpectedly meet, creating a bridge between two different worlds.
5. Apparent illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection? Discuss.
Many ideas once thought impossible have become reality. Airplanes, space travel, and the internet were once fantasies. Charley’s experience at the third level seems illogical, but it represents the human desire to escape stress. Perhaps in the future, time travel could be possible, making his experience a futuristic idea rather than mere imagination.
OR
At first, Charley’s experience seems strange and illogical—finding a secret level that takes him to the past sounds impossible. However, this idea might hint at future possibilities where the boundaries of time could be broken. It suggests that what seems impossible now might be explained or even possible with new ideas and technology in the future.
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?
Apart from stamp collecting, people preserve history through old photographs, museums, books, historical films, and monuments. The human mind often moves between the past, present, and future. Nostalgia makes people cherish memories, while dreams and ambitions keep them focused on the future. This balance helps people learn from history while shaping a better tomorrow.
OR
Philately (stamp collecting) preserves history by saving items that remind us of the past. Other ways to keep history alive include preserving old photographs, maintaining historical buildings, and keeping traditions alive through stories and festivals. Museums, libraries, and even movies also help us remember our heritage.
The human tendency to move between the past, present, and future shows that we learn from our history, enjoy the moment, and dream about what’s to come. It helps us understand where we came from and where we might be going, making us feel connected and hopeful.
7. You have read ‘Adventure’ by Jayant Narlikar in Hornbill Class XI. Compare the interweaving of fantasy and reality in the two stories.
Both stories mix fantasy with reality. In The Third Level, Charley’s experience seems imaginary, yet it feels real. In Adventure, the protagonist Gangadharpant enters a parallel world where history has taken a different turn. Both stories show how the mind can create alternate realities and blur the line between past and present.
OR
In both “The Third Level” and “Adventure,” fantasy and reality blend together. In “The Third Level,” Charley’s discovery of a secret level that transports him to 1894 mixes everyday life with a magical escape. Similarly, in “Adventure,” the story combines realistic settings with imaginative elements.
Both stories use this mix to explore themes like escapism and the desire for a simpler, more peaceful life. The blend of fantasy with real-life details makes the stories interesting and thought-provoking, as it challenges the reader to question what is real and what is imagined.