Type of sentence help. Simple, compound, complex, or compound complex?

Complex. It has nothing to do with your highlighted portions, all of which reside in the main, independent clause. 'Spectacularly...establishment' is a nonfinite clause with a compound verb.

Sorry, I was searching for the sentence, so the highligher marks appeared. Can you please explain how 'spectacularly...establishment' is a clause? Where is the subject? I only saw the main, independent clause with a bunch of participle phrases.

The subject is understood: it is 'he'.

I have learnt that complex sentence has two clauses; main and subordinate; But the sentence has only one finite verb 'was permitted'. Hence I am wondering how it can be called a complex sentence.

Mister Micawber, sir, can you clear my doubt?

Thanking you in advance!

suresh

Do the two clauses have to be finite? Ah yes, I suppose they do. Then the sentence is simple with a nonfinite adjectival or adverbial clause ('..poring...and casting...'), I suppose. Now we have to worry about whether it is modifying him or the whole main clause.

Mister Micamber,Yes, you are right, it is a simple sentence.

I suppose 'spectacularly poring... 'and 'casting his breeches....' are participle phrases.

Please do tell me if I am right.

Thanking you in advance

suresh

That's how I see them. I suspect that they can be analyzed differently, though:

Then only was he permitted to be seen, (as he was) spectacularly poring over large books, and casting his breeches and gaiters into the general weight of the establishment.

Thank you, Mister Micawber.

suresh