Question

which of the following is an example of a compound sentence from mansfields \the fly\?

othing happened or was likely to happen. the fly was dead.\
\what would it make of that? what indeed!\
\ever since his birth the boss had worked...; it had no other meaning if it was not for the boy.\

Explanation:

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses (complete thoughts) with a semicolon or coordinating conjunction. The third option uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses ("Ever since his birth the boss had worked..." and "it had no other meaning if it was not for the boy"), fitting the definition. The first option has two separate simple sentences, and the second has two questions (not independent clauses forming a compound sentence).

Answer:

"Ever since his birth the boss had worked...; it had no other meaning if it was not for the boy."