The Clerk's Stare at Charlie in "The Third Level"

The short story "The Third Level" by Jack Finney is about a man named Charley who discovers a way to escape the stresses of modern-day life by traveling to the third level of the Grand Central Station. This third level is a place where time stands still, and people from the past can be found living their lives as if it were still the 1890s. However, one of the characters in the story, a clerk, stares at Charley when he arrives on the third level. Why does the clerk do this?

Possible reasons for the Clerk's Stare

1. Curiosity: The clerk might be curious about Charley and why he has come to the third level. The third level is a secret place that only a few people know about, so the clerk might be surprised to see a new face.

2. Suspicion: The clerk might be suspicious of Charley and think that he doesn't belong on the third level. The third level is a place where people can escape from the modern world, and the clerk might think that Charley is an intruder.

3. Recognition: The clerk might recognize Charley from the past. The third level is a place where people from the past can be found living their lives, so the clerk might think that Charley is someone he knows from the past.

4. Incredulity: The clerk might be staring at Charley out of disbelief. The third level is a place that many people have heard of but few have ever seen. The clerk might be amazed that Charley has managed to find his way to the third level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reason why the clerk in "The Third Level" stares at Charley is not explicitly stated in the story. However, there are several possible reasons why he might do so, including curiosity, suspicion, recognition, or incredulity. The clerk's stare adds to the mystery and intrigue of the third level, which is a place that is both fascinating and unsettling.