Who does it refer to?

[black_velvet]

PLease, look at this phrase:
An injured man lies completely still in a hospital room with doctors hovering at his bedside, APPEARING SERENE AND PEACEFUL as he slowly succumbs to death. However, in his OWN mind, memories of a recent battle vividly flash by. Thoughts of death and chaos haunt him, even in his final moments.
Can you tell me who the capitalized phrase is refering to - the patient himself or the doctors.
Thank you. :)

[ian2]

Originally Posted by black_velvet

PLease, look at this phrase:
An injured man lies completely still in a hospital room with doctors hovering at his bedside, APPEARING SERENE AND PEACEFUL as he slowly succumbs to death. However, in his OWN mind, memories of a recent battle vividly flash by. Thoughts of death and chaos haunt him, even in his final moments.
Can you tell me who the capitalized phrase is refering to - the patient himself or the doctors.
Thank you. :)

"Appearing serene and peaceful" refers to the patient, not the doctors, at least for the following reason:

After "serene and peaceful", you have HE slowly suvvumbs.... which means these two adjectives refer to HE. It could refer to doctors if you change the sentence, for example:

Appearing serene and peaceful as they slowly work on the patient.

Even though the above is a correct sentence, yet the sentence doesn't make any sense, as doctors usually don't appear serene and peaceful during an operation. Just for your reference.

[black_velvet]

Thnks!

Originally Posted by ian2

yet the sentence doesn't make any sense, as doctors usually don't appear serene and peaceful during an operation. Just for your reference.

Yes, you have a point here, too )