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

Identifying Main Clauses
From Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities
Analysis Key

1. They drew back {from the window}, | and the Doctor looked {for 

     explanation} {in his friend's ashy face}. |

2. Monseigneur received him (DO) {in a courtly manner}, | but they 

     did not shake hands (DO). |

3. I don't know; | I prefer not to do so [#1]. |

4. He waited and waited, | and the clock struck twelve (DO); | but 

     Doctor Manette did not come back. |

5. "He has never seen me (DO) here; | I have kept out {of his way}." |

6. But, he spoke, | and it was his voice (PN); | he took the prisoner's 

     hand (DO), | and it was his real grasp (PN). |

7. The shining Bull's Eye {of the Court} was gone (PA), | or it would 

     have been the mark (PN) {for a hurricane} {of national bullets}. |

8. *You* Crush humanity (DO) out {of shape} once more, {under similar

      hammers}, | and it will twist itself (DO) {into the same tortured forms}. |

9. The bank closed, | the ancient clerks came out, | the usual watch was

     set (P), | and Mr. Cruncher and his son went home [NuA] {to tea}. |

10. "She is greatly distressed (P); | but her father is comforting her (DO),

     | and she feels the better [#2] {for being [#3] } out {of court}." |


Notes
1. "So" here functions as a pronoun, the direct object of the verbal (infinitive) "to do." (See KISS Level 4.) The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of "prefer."
2. "The" turns "better" into a noun that functions as a Noun Used as an Adverb.
3. "Being" is a gerund that functions as the object of "for."