Question

What do you infer from Sam’s letter to Charley in the story, The Third Level?

Hint:

In inferential questions, link the evidence from the story to the larger theme (in this case, escapism and human desire for peace).

Answer 1

In Jack Finney’s story The Third Level, Sam’s letter to Charley serves as proof that the third level of the Grand Central Station was not merely a figment of Charley’s imagination. The letter, dated back to 1894, reveals that Sam himself had escaped to that peaceful era. Through the letter, Sam indicates that life in the modern world is full of stress and insecurity, whereas the past provides comfort, tranquility, and emotional relief. The letter symbolizes a human longing for a simpler time, free from the complexities of modern existence. It reinforces the central idea that escapism can be a means of coping with harsh realities.
Final Answer: Sam’s letter confirms the existence of the third level and highlights the yearning for peace and escape from the stress of the modern world.