Question

Who was Sam Weiner? What did he write in his letter to Charley?

Hint:

In “The Third Level,” always connect Sam’s letter to the theme of escapism—people seek relief from modern stress in the imagined peace of the past.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identity of Sam Weiner.
Sam Weiner was Charley’s psychiatrist and friend in the story “The Third Level” by Jack Finney. Charley often discussed his stress and his desire to escape the modern world with him.

Step 2: The letter from Sam.
Later in the story, Charley found a letter written by Sam Weiner dated July 18, 1894. It was hidden among old papers in the First Day Cover collection.

Step 3: Content of the letter.
In the letter, Sam confirmed that he had discovered the “third level” at the Grand Central Station. He wrote that he had settled down in the peaceful world of Galesburg, Illinois, in 1894, enjoying the simple and quiet life.
Final Answer:
Sam Weiner was Charley’s psychiatrist. In his letter to Charley, he revealed that he had found the third level and chosen to live in Galesburg of 1894, where life was simple, peaceful, and full of contentment.