Summary - The Third Level

The story "The Third Level" by Jack Finney is a fascinating tale that explores the concept of time travel and the desire to escape from the pressures of reality. The protagonist, Charley, discovers a hidden third level at the Grand Central Station in New York City, which transports him to the year 1894.

Introduction
The story begins with Charley, a thirty-one-year-old man who is feeling overwhelmed by the stress of his job and the demands of the modern world. He often finds solace in his hobby of collecting stamps, particularly those from the 19th century.

Discovery of the Third Level
One day, while waiting for his train at the Grand Central Station, Charley stumbles upon a small door that leads to a staircase. Curiosity gets the better of him, and he decides to climb the stairs, discovering the third level that had been hidden for over fifty years.

The Time Travel
To his astonishment, Charley realizes that the third level is a portal to the year 1894. He witnesses the hustle and bustle of people from the past as he explores the streets of Galesburg, Illinois. Charley is captivated by the simplicity and charm of the 19th century, where life seems much more peaceful compared to the present day.

Escape from Reality
Charley becomes infatuated with the idea of permanently escaping to the third level and leaving behind the complexities of the modern world. He even considers bringing his wife, Louisa, to the past, believing that they would be much happier there.

Reality vs. Fantasy
However, as Charley delves deeper into his time travel adventures, he begins to question the reality of the third level. He wonders if he is merely hallucinating or if the third level truly exists. He seeks reassurance from a psychiatrist, but the psychiatrist dismisses his claims as mere fantasies.

Conclusion
In the end, Charley is unable to find concrete evidence of the existence of the third level. He is left with a sense of longing and uncertainty, unsure if he will ever be able to escape the pressures of his present reality and find solace in the past.

Overall, "The Third Level" is a thought-provoking story that explores the desire to escape from the complexities of modern life and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. It raises questions about the nature of time and the power of imagination.