The third level is a short story written by Jack Finney. It is included in the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English book, Vistas. The story revolves around a man named Charley who discovers a third level at Grand Central Station while searching for a train to his work.

Discovery of Third Level

Charley discovers the third level while searching for a train to his work. He stumbles upon a staircase that he had never seen before, and it leads to a third level that he did not know existed.

The Third Level - A Different World

The third level is a different world from the bustling city below. It is a place where people dress differently, and the architecture is different. The people there are content and happy, free from the worries of the modern world.

Time Travel

Charley discovers that the third level is a portal to another time, specifically the year 1894. He meets a man named Sam who is stuck in the past and unable to return to the present. Charley decides to help Sam return to the present by bringing him to a psychiatrist.

Symbolism

The third level is symbolic of a place where one can escape the pressures of the modern world and find contentment. It can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the power of imagination and the possibility of time travel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Third Level is a thought-provoking story that explores the themes of escapism, time travel, and the power of imagination. It encourages readers to think about the possibility of other worlds and the importance of finding contentment in life.