Charlie wanted to go with his wife, Louisa, primarily to escape the reality of the harsh world he perceived around him. Their intended destination was Galesburg, Illinois, a place he romanticized as a peaceful haven from modern anxieties.
The Desire for Escape
Charlie's longing to travel with Louisa to Galesburg stemmed from a deep-seated need for escapism. His psychiatrist friend, Sam, also recognized this desire as a way for Charlie to flee the contemporary world's pressures and insecurities. For Charlie, Galesburg represented an idyllic past, a stark contrast to the fast-paced, often stressful reality of his present.
- Seeking Tranquility: Charlie envisioned Galesburg as a town from a bygone era, characterized by:
- Large, old frame houses.
- Huge lawns and tremendous trees with spreading branches.
- People enjoying summer evenings, sitting out, smoking cigars, and talking peacefully.
- A sense of calm and leisure that was absent in his current life.
- A Shared Retreat: Bringing his wife, Louisa, on this journey underscored his desire for a shared, tranquil retreat from their present circumstances. It was an aspiration for a simpler, more secure existence together, away from the constant worries and anxieties.
Galesburg: A Symbol of Peace
Galesburg, in Charlie's mind, was not just a physical location but a powerful symbol of an attainable peace and security. This idealized perception fueled his search for the "third level" at the Grand Central Station, which he believed would transport him directly to this tranquil past. His persistent search for this non-existent level, despite its futility, highlighted the intensity of his yearning to escape and share that escape with Louisa in a place free from modern-day struggles.
