Hi,

I wonder when there's a modifier hanging between two clauses (or a phrase and a clause), how do I determine which one is modifying?

example:
OG 105:
Beatrix Potter, in her book illustrations, carefully coordinating them with her narratives, capitalized on her keen observation and love of the natural world (wrong original)

wrong choice: In her book illustrations, carefully coordinating them with her narratives, Beatrix Potter

OG explanation on wrong choice: Phrase carefully coordinating...illogically modifies the noun that immediately precedes it: book illustrations; Potter, not the illutrations, did the coordinating.

I know the wrong choice sounds weird and awkward, not to mention, it's not so clear what "them" is referring to. But I'm curious about the situation when you have a modifier stucked in the middle, it can qualify for and act as either initial modifier for the subject that follows it, or it can also be the appositive modifer that consists of just a noun or a noun and modifier to modify the noun or the clause that precedes it (according to Ron), how do we know which case it is? Besides, in this case, can't I argue that carefully coordinating them with her narratives works as a initial modifier and is modifying Beatrix Potter? Or is it because Beatrix Potter already has a modifier attached to it, so it's not ok to have another modifier immediately preceding it? Or is it because GMAT people prefer the interpretation of what comes after the comma to modify what comes before it?

Sorry if I sound confusing to you, but I'm very confused by this modifier thing. Thanks for your help!