CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this “English investigatory project”

on the topic “The Enduring Nature of Beauty” has been
completed by GODSON.K by class XII CLEVER under the
guidance of [Link] RENEAUX particularly in the
fulfillment of the curriculum of the Central Board of
Secondary Education [CBSE] led to the award of the

annual examination of the year 2024- 2025.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have made efforts in this project. However, it would not
have been possible without their kind support and help.
I would like to thank my principal [Link] M.
and the school for providing me with the facilities
required for my project.
I’m highly indebted to my English teacher, [Link]
RENEAUX for her invaluable guidance, which has
sustained my efforts in all the stages of this project.
My thanks and appreciation also go to my classmates
who helped me develop the project and the people who
willingly helped me with their abilities
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[Link]

Introduction to the Story:

Begin with a brief summary of The Third Level
by Jack Finney. Explain the plot in a concise
manner—how Charley, the protagonist,
discovers the third level in Grand Central
Station, which seems to lead him to the 1890s.
Introduce the key idea of the story: the tension
between reality and fantasy, and Charley’s
desire to escape the stresses of modern life.

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Link to Mental Health:

Connect the theme of escape from reality in the

story to mental health. Charley’s desire to
"escape" to a simpler time can be seen as a
reflection of the pressures and stress he faces
in his present life. This idea introduces the
relevance of mental health in the workplace,
where people often look for ways to cope with

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work pressures, sometimes through fantasy or
withdrawal.

2. THEME OF THE STORY

ESCAPING REALITY:

Discuss how Charley’s discovery of the third

level represents a desire to escape the
pressures of his everyday life. Mention the
stress that Charley faces at work, his

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dissatisfaction with modern life, and how the
third level offers him an alternative reality
where he feels safe and content.

Illusion vs. Reality:

Delve into the theme of illusion versus reality.
Charley believes in the third level and insists
that it is real, while others think it’s a product
of his imagination or stress. This tension
highlights how mental health can distort one’s
perception of reality. Stress and anxiety can
lead to escapism, and sometimes this escape
may seem more appealing than facing the
challenges of everyday life.

Nostalgia for Simpler Times:

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Another theme is the longing for simpler times,
as Charley yearns for the 1890s, a time he
believes was less complicated and more
peaceful. This can relate to how people in
today’s fast-paced work environments
sometimes fantasize about less stressful times,
even if they were idealized or romanticized.

3. Character Analysis

Charley (Main Protagonist):

Analyze Charley’s character: He is a man caught

in the pressures of modern life—work, family,
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and personal dissatisfaction. His discovery of
the third level can be seen as an attempt to
escape these pressures.

Discuss how his personality is shaped by the

stresses of his environment. He works in a
hectic job and has financial concerns, which
cause him to feel overwhelmed. The third level
offers him a way to momentarily escape these
challenges.

How does Charley’s belief in the third level

reflect his need for relief from the anxiety of his
life?

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Other Characters:

Louise (Charley's wife): Discuss how Louise

represents the practical side of life, as she
doesn’t believe in the third level. Her
perspective on mental health and reality
contrasts with Charley’s imaginative escape.

Sam (Charley's friend): Sam’s disappearance

and his note suggesting he’s found the third
level reinforces the theme of escape and
mental health, as he too seems to have
withdrawn from the stress of modern life
4. Importance of Mental Health in the
Workplace

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Mental Health and Workplace Stress:

Define workplace stress and its effects on

mental health. Include statistics or facts about
the rising levels of workplace stress and
burnout in modern environments. You can

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mention how constant deadlines, long hours,
and the pressure to succeed affect employees’
mental well-being.

The Need for Mental Health Awareness:

Discuss how mental health is often overlooked

in the workplace and how that can have long-
term consequences, such as reduced
productivity, absenteeism, and physical health
problems. Mention the importance of creating
supportive environments and providing
resources like counseling or mental health days.

Connection to "The Third Level":

Relate the theme of workplace stress in The

Third Level to the real-world situation. Just like
Charley, many people try to cope with work
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pressure through avoidance, stress-related
illnesses, or escapism. The third level is a
metaphor for finding a "safe place" away from
the stress of life. In reality, creating such “safe
spaces” in the workplace can significantly
improve mental well-being.

5. Relevance of Mental Health in Workplace

and "The Third Level"

Escapism and its Impact on Mental Health:

In the story, Charley escapes to the third level,

which symbolizes an attempt to withdraw from
the overwhelming stress of modern life. In
reality, employees may also look for ways to

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“escape” through fantasy, distractions, or even
avoidance (e.g., taking sick days, disengaging
from work).

Discuss how managing stress and mental health

proactively is crucial to prevent individuals from
relying on escapism.

Workplace Solutions for Mental Health:

Offer practical solutions to support mental

health in the workplace. These might include:

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Counseling

services that help employees deal with stress.

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Work-life Balance: Encouraging employees to
take breaks and set healthy boundaries.

Promoting Open Conversations: Encouraging

open discussions about mental health to
reduce stigma.

Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques:

Introducing mindfulness, relaxation techniques,
and stress-management workshops.

Charley’s Journey vs. Reality of Mental Health in

Modern Workplaces:

Contrast Charley’s retreat into the third level

with how mental health could be better
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managed in the real world. Rather than
escapism, modern solutions for mental health
involve confronting the stress head-on, seeking
support, and learning coping strategies.

6. Learning Outcomes

Understanding Mental Health and Workplace

Dynamics:
After studying The Third Level, readers should
gain a better understanding of how stress and
escapism manifest in the workplace. They
should recognize the importance of addressing
mental health proactively to improve both
individual well-being and organizational
productivity.

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Emphasizing the Importance of Self-Awareness:

One of the key lessons from the story is the

need for self-awareness. Charley’s realization
that he might be using the third level as a form
of escape can be a metaphor for how
employees should recognize their own mental
health struggles and seek help when needed.

Impact of Workplace Environments on Mental

Health:

The story highlights the impact that external

pressures (like work and societal expectations)
can have on mental health. By creating
healthier environments at work, companies can
reduce the need for individuals to escape into
fantasies or unhealthy coping mechanisms.
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7. Conclusion

Summary of Key Points:

Recap the main ideas: the connection between

The Third Level and mental health, the
importance of managing stress in the
workplace, and the need for mental health
awareness.
Conclude by emphasizing that while Charley’s
escape into the third level provides a
temporary relief from reality, real-world
solutions to mental health issues must be
implemented to ensure that individuals do not
feel the need to escape. A supportive work
environment, open discussions, and mental
health resources are key to ensuring that
employees can thrive in the face of stress.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
[Link]
2 .[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

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