The Printable KISS Grammar Workbooks To Charles Dickens Page
(Code and Color Key)

Other Helping Verbs
from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities
Analysis Key

   In Level 1.3, students will learn that the "to" phrases that they can here consider part of the verb phrases can better be explained as verbs (actually verbals) that function as complements.

1. Then the piercing shrieks would begin again, | and she would repeat

     the cry (DO). |

2. He tried to prepare himself (DO) {in vain}. |

3. They continued to cry. |

4. The shadows {of the wintry afternoon} were beginning to fall. |

5. I should like to ask you (IO) :-- [#1] [DO Does your childhood 

     seem far off]? |

6. The road-mender tried to get a peep (DO) {at secret weapons} {in his breast}. |

7. "I begin to think [DO I AM faint (PA)]." |

8. They continued to be uttered (P) (in their regular succession}, {with the

     cry}, "My husband, my father, and my brother!" [#2] |

9. And now, Sydney, old boy [#3], I want to say a word (DO) {to YOU}

     {about YOUR prospects}. |

10. "I little thought," [ [#4] said Miss Pross], "[DO (of "thought") that I 

     should ever want to understand your nonsensical language (DO)]." |

Notes
1. Dickens' punctuation here (and in much of A Tale) differs from current usage. Modern writers would probably use either the colon or the dash here.
2. The quotation functions as an appositive to "cry." (See KISS Level 5.4 - Appositives.)
3. "Sydney" functions as Direct Address. (See KISS Level 2.3 Adding Three Level Five Constructions.)  "Boy" can then be explained as an appositive to "Sydney." If "Sydney" were not in the sentence, then "old boy" would function as Direct Address.
4. KISS explains this clause as an interjection. See KISS Level 3.2.3 - Interjection? Or Direct Object?