NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English
Vistas
Chapter 1 – The Third
Level
Long question answers
Question 1) Do you see an intersection of time and space
in the story?
Answer. Certainly! Throughout the story,
various instances showcase the convergence of time and space. It all begins
with the third level, a place that doesn't exist in the current era, yet
Charley strongly feels he's present in the third level of Grand Central
Station. The vivid descriptions of the station, the ticket counters, the
currency, the lighting, the people's attire, facial hair styles, and the
newspaper dated 1894 all serve as manifestations of the intersection between
time and space. These elements belong to the 1880s and 1890s, while Charley
resides in the present, highlighting the clear intersection of time and space.
When Charley attempts to
purchase tickets for himself and Louisa on the third level, he encounters
currency from an earlier period, further emphasizing the clash of temporal
dimensions. Lastly, the letter from 1894, authored by Sam and addressed to
Charley, represents yet another instance of the intersection of time and space.
Both individuals exist in the present, but the letter itself belongs to the
historical time frame of 1894, showcasing this fascinating convergence of
temporal realities.
Question 2) Philately helps keep the past alive. Discuss
other ways in which this is done. What do you think of the human tendency to
constantly move between the past, the present and the future?
Answer. Philately serves as a means to
preserve elements that have vanished from existence, such as letters,
currencies, manuscripts, and ancient utensils. Safeguarding and archiving these
artifacts in museums contributes to keeping the past vibrant and ensuring the
transfer of knowledge to future generations. This practice enables us to glean
insights into past actions, our current position, and potential future
endeavors. I find it remarkable how human nature seamlessly navigates between
the past, present, and future, fostering connections across different temporal
realms. There's a profound yearning to understand our origins while aspiring
for progress in the future. Exploring our historical background has led to
discoveries concerning ancient monuments, ideologies, practices, and
lifestyles, enlightening us about our evolutionary journey.
This innate curiosity about
both our past and future serves multiple purposes. It aids in averting
potential disasters or mitigating their impacts, as exemplified by practices
like weather forecasting. This fascination with the past and future offers
valuable insights that enable us to prevent calamities or minimize their
consequences.
Question 3) Would
Charley ever go back to the ticket-counter on the third level to buy tickets to
Galesburg for himself and his wife?
Answer After perusing the story, we discover
Charley's keen interest in journeying to Galesburg alongside his wife, Louisa.
Despite his initial encounter with the third level, Charley couldn't retrace
his steps to find it again. Initially stumbling upon the third level by chance,
when he eventually reached the ticket counter, he realized his currency was
incompatible, belonging to a different era. In an attempt to secure two tickets
to Galesburg, he returned to Grand Central Station after converting his three
hundred dollars into the requisite "old-style currency." However,
upon his return, the corridor leading to the third level eluded him. Hindered
by his wife's mounting concern for his safety, Charley ceased actively
searching for the elusive third level after a while.
Question 4) Apparent
illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection? Discuss.
Answer The apparent lack of
logic in certain ideas can sometimes reveal a visionary aspect. Consider the
Wright Brothers' invention of the first airplane: before this, the notion of
human flight seemed unimaginable. Similarly, prior to Alexander Graham Bell's invention
of the telephone, the concept of real-time long-distance communication was
deemed impossible. Furthermore, there exist instances of inventions, like the
modern sewing machine with a needle possessing a hole on its seemingly
incorrect end, that originated from dreams but are now integral parts of our
daily reality.
All these instances highlight how seemingly illogical
fantasies at one point can evolve into revolutionary advancements that shape
humanity's future. Consequently, it's not implausible to contemplate the
concept of railway stations equipped with time-machine devices, enabling travel
from one era to another—a potential innovation that might redefine the very
notion of time-bound transportation.
Question 5) Philately
helps keep the past alive. Discuss other ways in which this is done. What do
you think of the human tendency to constantly move between the past, the
present and the future?
Answer In addition to philately, there exist
numerous avenues to preserve the essence of the past. Curating historical
artifacts, paintings, and inscriptions within museums, collecting and perusing
literature (including autobiographies, biographical sketches, letters, and
diary entries) spanning different epochs, and engaging with documentaries and
visual media are among the diverse methods to revisit history. Furthermore,
upholding cultural rituals and traditions, recording memories through videos,
photographs, and audio archives, and revitalizing ancient monuments,
structures, and artifacts offer invaluable educational experiences for visitors
while bolstering tourism.
The human ability to transition between past, present, and future is a profound intellectual asset. This inclination allows individuals to plan for the future by leveraging lessons from the past. For instance, consider the straightforward approach of a student preparing for board exams. Analyzing past performance (such as class tests or mid-year exams), the student devises a strategy to focus on weaker areas, aiming for improved future results. Consequently, this proclivity aids in acknowledging the consequences of pivotal decisions made at any juncture and facilitates learning from them.
