How to write a Poetry Analysis Essay

A Poetry Analysis essay’s structure will be:

– an introduction,
– two PEEEL body paragraph
– conclusion

Then we analyze the poem:

How to analyze a poem

Introdunction

Let’s use the “The Ocean’s Heart” poem

Theme: Nature is wild and powerful, but in its depths, there lurks full of mystery and hidden beauty.

Hook – Question(about theme)

What does it mean to stand in awe of nature’s overwhelming power, and how can a storm remind us of our place in this word?

TitleAuthorTopic – “The Ocean’s Heart” by RickyABC is a poem about nature’s opposing sides. On one hand, we see the ocean’s mysteries and hidden beauty. But on the other hand, we are presented with the unmatched power of the waves and depths.

ThesisIn “The Ocean’s Heart”, the poet shows the two sides of nature by using metaphors and similes.

Two PEEEL paragraphs

Let’s just do one first.

Analysis PEEEL step 1: The point

Metaphors effectively conveys nature’s ferocity and its complex hidden side in the poet’s text.

Analysis PEEEL step 2: The Evidence

In the quote “The ocean is restless beast”, the words “ocean” and “beast” are examples of metaphor because they are two uncomparable things that share common properties such as being unpredictable, fierce, and dangerous.

Analysis PEEEL step 3: Explain the Evidence

You can use the explanation method here

The metaphor shows the theme of untamed power and unpredictable energy because it compares an ocean to a beast, suggesting their untamed and uncontrollable nature.

The beast is a metaphor for the ocean bee because they both have powerful movements and are unpredictable. Consequently, the metaphor highlights how the ocean is not only all-powerful, but its depth contains hidden beauty and enigma underneath the raw power, much like that of a beautiful sleek beast.

Analysis PEEEL step 4: Evaluate

The effect of the device is is to create a vivid, emotional connection between the reader and the ocean, evoking both fear and admiration. This effect exemplifies nature’s duality because it captures the ocean’s ability to inspire awe and terror simultaneously. Moreover, it highlights our complex relationship with nature, where we are both drawn to its beauty and humbled by its power.

Through these metaphors, the poet effectively conveys the ocean’s dual nature, reminding us of its capacity for both destruction and wonder.

Analysis PEEEL step 5: Link

This shows that metaphors help illustrate nature’s duality in “The Ocean’s Heart” because it reminds us of its capacity for both wonder an intimidation. What’s more, similes also highlights this idea.

Second Body Paragraph – Simile

Analysis PEEEL step 1: Topic Sentence

The use of similes demonstrates both power and mystery in “The Ocean’s heart”.

Analysis PEEEL step 2: Evidence

In the quote “Beneath the surface, secrets hide, Like treasures locked deep inside”, the words “treasures” and “surface” are an example of simile because it is comparing the ocean’s depths to a treasure chest.

Analysis PEEEL step 3: Explanation of Evidence

treasure/ocean’s depth
properties:

  • exploration
  • discovery
  • secrets
  • valuable
  • untold stories
  • wonders

The simile shows the theme of the ocean’s mystery because *it suggests that the ocean holds untold stories and wonders*. It also emphasizes *the theme of exploration and discovery* because the comparison to “treasures” implies that the ocean’s secrets are valuable and worth uncovering.

Analysis PEEEL step 4: Evaluation

The effect of the device is to captivate, drawing the reader into the ocean’s hidden world. This effect exemplifies the theme of nature’s allure because it portrays the ocean as a place of endless fascination. Moreover, it invites the reader to reflect on the unknown, creating a sense of curiosity and wonder.

When to use “-tion” to convert verbs into noun

The suffix “-tion” is commonly used to convert verbs into nouns, often indicating an action, process, or state. Here are the key rules and guidelines for using “-tion” to form nouns:

1. Base Verb Ends in -te:
If the base verb ends in -te, replace -te with -tion.

Examples:

create → creation

celebrate → celebration

educate → education

2. Base Verb Ends in -ify:
If the base verb ends in -ify, replace -ify with -ification.

Examples:

simplify → simplification

clarify → clarification

justify → justification

3. Base Verb Ends in -ize:
If the base verb ends in -ize, replace -ize with -ization.

Examples:

organize → organization

realize → realization

modernize → modernization

4. Base Verb Ends in -ate:
If the base verb ends in -ate, replace -ate with -ation.

Examples:

donate → donation

communicate → communication

evaluate → evaluation

5. Base Verb Ends in -end or -and:
If the base verb ends in -end or -and, replace the ending with -ension or -ansion.

Examples:

ext[end] → extension

exp[and] → expansion

6. Base Verb Ends in -scribe:
If the base verb ends in -scribe, replace -scribe with -scription.

Examples:

describe → description

prescribe → prescription

7. Base Verb Ends in -duce:
If the base verb ends in -duce, replace -duce with -duction.

Examples:

produce → production

introduce → introduction

8. Base Verb Ends in -mit:
If the base verb ends in -mit, replace -mit with -mission.

Examples:

permit → permission

submit → submission

9. Base Verb Ends in -ss:
If the base verb ends in -ss, add -ion directly.

Examples:

discuss → discussion

express → expression

10. Irregular Forms:

Some verbs have irregular noun forms with -tion that don’t follow a specific pattern.

Examples:

solve → solution

absorb → absorption

describe → description

Key Points:
The suffix “-tion” is used to form nouns from verbs, typically indicating an action, process, or state.

The spelling of the base verb often changes slightly when adding “-tion” (e.g., dropping or replacing letters).

Not all verbs can be converted to nouns using “-tion”; some require other suffixes like “-ment” (e.g., enjoy → enjoyment) or “-ance” (e.g., perform → performance).

Classic Plot Structure

1. Exposition:

The beginning of the story.

Sets the scene, introduces characters, and establishes the initial situation.

2. Rising Action:

The bulk of the story where conflict and tension build.
Key events and complications unfold, driving the plot forward.
Characters face challenges, make decisions, and encounter obstacles.
Suspense and anticipation increase as the story progresses.

3. Climax:

The turning point of the story, the moment of highest tension and excitement.
The protagonist faces their biggest challenge or makes a critical decision.
Often a confrontation, revelation, or major shift in the story’s direction.

4. Falling Action:

The events that follow the climax, where the tension starts to decrease.
The consequences of the climax unfold, and loose ends are tied up.

5. Resolution:

The end of the story.
The conflict is resolved, and the characters’ fates are determined.
Can be a happy ending, a tragic ending, or something in between.

Visualizing the plot structure:

Imagine a pyramid or an arc:

Exposition: The base of the pyramid or the beginning of the arc.
Rising Action: The sloping sides of the pyramid or the upward curve of the arc.
Climax: The peak of the pyramid or the highest point of the arc.
Falling Action: The downward slope of the pyramid or the downward curve of the arc.
Resolution: The tip of the pyramid or the end of the arc.
Why this structure matters:

Creates engaging stories: The rising action builds anticipation, the climax provides a satisfying peak, and the falling action provides closure.
Helps with pacing: It provides a framework for pacing the story and keeping readers engaged.
Develops characters: The challenges and conflicts in the rising action force characters to grow and change.

By understanding this plot structure, you can analyze stories and craft your own compelling narratives.

Subject complement vs Auxiliary verb

In “I am running.”, isn’t running suppose to be a subject complement?

There’s a subtle distinction that makes “running” not a subject complement in “I am running.”

Here’s the key:

Linking verbs vs. auxiliary verbs:

While “am” is often a linking verb (e.g., “I am happy”), it can also function as an auxiliary verb (also called a helping verb). Auxiliary verbs combine with main verbs to form different tenses and moods.

Present continuous tense:

In “I am running,” the verb “am” is acting as an auxiliary verb. It’s working with the present participle “running” to create the present continuous tense, which describes an ongoing action.

Think of it this way:

Subject complement: “I am a runner” (“runner” renames the subject “I”)
Verb phrase (present continuous): “I am running” (“am running” describes the action in progress)

Even though the structure looks similar, the function of “am” changes, which affects the role of “running.”

Adverbial (Adverb) Clause

ref – https://www.englishwithashish.com/adverbials-masterclass/#google_vignette

What is an adverbial clause?

An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb in a sentence.

Adverbial clauses start with a subordinating conjunction (because, when, if, although, etc.).

Ex: I [ate] the whole cake because I was hungry.

Adverbial Clauses vs Relative/Noun Clauses

Thus, note that adverbial clauses do not start with relative pronouns. They start with subordinating conjunctions.  

Relative pronouns introduce relative (adjective) clauses (a type of dependent clause that acts like an adjective).
Examples include: who, whom, whose, which, that.  

Subordinating conjunctions: These introduce adverbial clauses (dependent clauses that act like adverbs).

Examples include:

  • that
  • because
  • since
  • although
  • if
  • when
  • while
  • before
  • after
  • as

Adverbial Clause functionality

They modify:

  • verbs (most used) – He arrived after the party started.
  • adjectives – She was so happy that she cried.
  • adverbs – They spoke more quietly when the teacher entered the room.

All adverbial clauses are dependent clauses. The other clauses included in dependent clauses are noun clauses, and relative (adjective) clauses.

An adverbial clause contains a subject and a verb

They answer questions like how, why, when, where, to what extent. In other words, it gives more information about the:

  • time
  • place
  • condition
  • reason
  • manner
  • purpose of the action

Adverbial Clause format and usage

subordinate conjunction + clause

Adverbial clause of time:
[He drinks coffee] before he leaves his house.
*modifies verb drinks.

Adverbial clause of time:
[We’ll be sitting in the conference room] until they tell us to leave.
* modifies main verb sitting.

Adverbial clause of manner:
As dollar signs flashed in his eyes, [my brother agreed to the deal].
*modifies verb agreed.

Adverbial clause of manner:
[She addressed the crowd] as she had practiced in the mirror.
*modifies verb addressed.

Adverbial clause of manner:
[José], as he tried to contain his excitement, [waited for her response].
*modifies waited.

Adverbial clause of place:
[My son told me another fight broke out] where he eats lunch.
*modifies verb broke out.

Adverbial clause of place:
[They drove] beyond where the city ends.
*modifies drove.

Adverbial clause of concession:
Whether my friend likes it or not, [we’re going on the roller coaster].
* modifies entire clause ‘We’re going on the roller’.

Adverbial clause of reason:
[We adopted these two cats] because they are cute.
* modifies verb adopted. The reason why you ‘adopted’ was because they are cute.

Adverbial clause of reason:
[He is amazing at soccer] because he spent his youth at the AYSO..
*modifies amazing.

Adverbial clause of reason:
[I took out the trash] because it stunk.
*modifies verb took out.

Adverbial clause of result:
[It was dark], so Nina lit a candle.

*modifies the main clause It was dark.

Important! Because ‘so’ is an coordinating conjunction (fanboy), we need to follow its rules.
we need to put a comma before any coordinating conjunction. This goes for and, but, yet, or, either, and for as well. (fanboy)

Adverbial clauses of manner (as, as if, as though, like):

He [sings] as if he were a professional. (manner)
The adverbial clause modifies the verb “sings” by describing how he sings.

He [talks] as if he knows everything. (Compares his manner of speaking to someone who knows everything)
She [dances] as though she’s floating on air. (Describes her manner graceful way of dancing)
He [talks] as if he’s an expert. (This describes the manner that he talks, as if he were an expert.)
It [looks] as though it might rain. This compares the manner of the weather to the appearance of impending rain.

A word on ‘like’

Note that like can be used as a conjunction.

Usually, we use ‘like’ as preposition:

“She looks [like] her mother.” Here it’s NOT introducing a clause with a subject and verb.

When used as part of an Adverbial clause, it is used as a conjunction:

The cake tastes [like] [it(s) has(v) almonds in it]. (Adverbial clause of manner, modifying “tastes”)
He talks [like] [he(s) knows(v) everything]. (Adverbial clause of manner, modifying “talks”)
He spends money [like] [he(s) is(v) a millionaire]. (Adverbial clause of manner, modifying “spends”)

“Like” as a Preposition

Role: It compares two nouns or pronouns, showing similarity.
ex: She looks like her mother. (comparing two nouns)

Structure: It’s followed by a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition). It doesn’t introduce a clause with a subject and verb.  
Examples:
I enjoy fruits [like] [apples and oranges]. (the two fruit nouns follows ‘like’)

“Like” as a Conjunction (Informal)

Role: It introduces a dependent clause that shows a comparison or manner. This clause has its own subject and verb.
Structure: It’s followed by a subject and verb, forming a clause.

Examples:
He acts [like] [he(s) is(v) the boss].
It sounds [like] [it(s) is(v) going to rain].

Adverbial clauses of place (where, anywhere, everywhere):

Where the river flows, the land is fertile. (The clause describes the location of fertile land.)
Wherever you go, I will follow. (The clause expresses an action that happens regardless of the location.)
You can sit anywhere you like. (The clause indicates freedom of choice in seating location.)
Everywhere I look, I see signs of autumn. (The clause emphasizes the pervasiveness of autumnal signs.)

Adverbial clauses of condition (if, unless, provided, as long as, in case, on condition that):

if: This is the most common conjunction for conditional clauses. It expresses a possibility.

Example: If it rains, we’ll stay inside.

If you study hard, you will [pass] the exam. (condition)
The adverbial clause modifies the verb phrase “will pass” by stating the condition required to pass.

unless: This means “if not” or “except if.”  
Example: We’ll go to the beach unless it’s too cold.

provided (that): This expresses a condition that must be met for the main clause to be true.  
Example: You can borrow my car provided that you return it by tomorrow.

as long as: Similar to “provided that,” it sets a condition that needs to be fulfilled.  
Example: You can stay here as long as you like.

in case: This expresses a condition that might happen, and the main clause describes what to do if it does.
Example: Take an umbrella in case it rains.

whether…or: This presents two alternative conditions.  
Example: Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school.

Adverbial clauses of Cause and Effect – one event (the cause) directly leads to another event (the effect).

Because:


We stayed indoors [because] it was raining.

[Because] it was raining, we stayed indoors.



Since:

You may have a cookie [since] you asked nicely.

[Since] you asked nicely, you may have a cookie.



So that:


We set an alarm [so that] we wouldn’t oversleep.
[So that] we wouldn’t oversleep, we set an alarm.

As:

[As] everyone expected, the traffic was terrible on Friday.

The traffic was terrible on Friday [as] everyone expected.

Unless:


[Unless] you practice, you will never get better.

You will never get better [unless] you practice.

Adverbial clauses of reason – An explanation for why something happened or why someone did something.

Because she was tired, she [went] to bed early. (reason)
* The adverbial clause modifies the verb phrase “went to bed” by explaining why she went to bed early.

Since it was raining, we [decided] to stay indoors.
* modifies ‘decided to stay’. It explains the reason they ‘decided’ to stay in doors.

Seeing that the weather was nice, they [decided] to have a picnic.
* modifies ‘decided to have’

Note that it’s introduced by “Seeing that”, which acts as a conjunction to connect the adverbial clause to the main clause:

seeing (that) / considering (that): These phrases introduce a reason or cause. “Seeing” and “considering” are present participles.  

Example: Seeing that it’s late, we should go home.
Example: Considering that she’s new to the city, she’s doing quite well.

Adverbial clauses of time

  • When the bell rang, the students [rushed] out of the classroom. (time)

    The adverbial clause modifies the verb “rushed” by indicating when the action happened.

Adverbial clauses of purpose (so that, in order that, in order to, so as to, in case, lest)

She [studied] hard so that she could pass the exam.
They [woke] up early in order to catch the first train.
I’ll [leave] a note in case he forgets.

Adverbial clauses of comparison (of degree and manner)

Adverbial clause of concession

Although it was raining, they [decided] to go for a walk. (concession)

The adverbial clause modifies the verb phrase “decided” by a concede. I admit that it is raining, but I still went for a walk.

Each type communicates different information, but every type is a group of words that functions as an adverb.

Adverbial Clause modifying Adverbs

  • She spoke so softly [that I could barely hear her].

    Adverbial clause: that I could barely hear her
    Modified adverb: softly

  • He drives more carefully [when it’s raining]

    Adverbial clause: when it’s raining
    Modified adverb: carefully

  • They arrived earlier [than we expected].

    Adverbial clause: than we expected (them to arrive) – This is an elliptical clause with some words implied.
    Modified adverb: earlier

  • I completed the task more quickly [than my brother did].

    Adverbial clause: than my brother did (complete the task) – Another elliptical clause.
    Modified adverb: quickly

  • She sings more beautifully [when she’s on stage].

    Adverbial clause: when she’s on stage
    Modified adverb: beautifully

Adverbial Clause modifying Adjectives

The water was so cold [that my teeth started chattering].
(The adverbial clause “that my teeth started chattering” modifies the adjective “cold,” emphasizing how cold the water was.)

She was so tired [that she fell asleep on the couch].
(The adverbial clause “that she fell asleep on the couch” modifies the adjective “tired,” showing the extent of her tiredness.)

The box was heavier [than I expected].
(The adverbial clause “than I expected” modifies the adjective “heavier,” indicating the degree of heaviness.)

He was more excited about the trip [than his sister was]. (The adverbial clause “than his sister was” modifies the adjective “excited,” comparing his excitement to his sister’s.)

The movie was as scary [as I had heard]. (The adverbial clause “as I had heard” modifies the adjective “scary,” confirming the level of scariness.)

Noun Clause vs Adjective Clause

Both noun clause and relative (adjective) clause start with a relative pronoun who, whom, whose, which, that.  

Noun Clause

Function: Acts as a noun in the sentence.

It can be a subject, object, subject complement, object of a preposition, or appositive.  

What it does: Names a person, place, thing, or idea.  

How to identify it: Ask yourself if you can replace the clause with a single noun or pronoun. If so, it’s likely a noun clause.

Examples:

What he said surprised me. (subject)

I know that you are right. (object)

The truth is that I was scared. (subject complement)

I’m interested in what you think. (object of a preposition)

Adjective Clause (Relative)

Function: Acts as an adjective to modify a noun or pronoun in the sentence.  

What it does: Provides more information about the noun it modifies.  

How to identify it: It usually starts with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that) or a relative adverb (where, when, why).  

Examples:

The book that I borrowed [is] overdue. (modifies “book”)

The woman who lives next door [is] a doctor. (modifies “woman”)

The city where I was born [is] far away. (modifies “city”)

Adjective (Relative) clause’s subj-verb agreement

People like clothes that make them look good.

Here’s a breakdown:

The relative clause: “that make them look good” modifies the noun “clothes.”

The subject of the relative clause:

The relative pronoun “that” refers back to “clothes,” so the subject of the relative clause is also “clothes.”

Subject-verb agreement:

Since “clothes” is plural, the verb in the relative clause needs to be the plural form “make” to agree with it.

If the sentence were about a single item of clothing, then the verb would be singular:

“She likes the dress [that makes her look good].”

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Relative Pronoun

ref – https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/relative_pronouns.htm

Relative Pronoun – a pronoun that heads an adjective clause.

  • that

    [The dog (that) stole the pie] is back.

    Restrictive Clauses (Essential Information):
    [The book that is on the table] is mine.

    Referring to Things:

    Things: The car that I bought broke down.

    After Superlatives, “All,” “Any,” “Every,” “No”:

    All that nonsense is a waste of time.
    Every book that I’ve borrowed turned out to be gold.
    This is the best movie that I’ve ever seen.
    All that glitters is not gold.
    She can solve any problem that comes her way.
    We’ll destroy any hoodlum that looks at us.

    When the Clause is the Object of the Sentence:

    The cake that she baked was delicious.
    (“That” can sometimes be omitted: The cake she baked was delicious.)

  • which

    • My new dog, (which) I bought last year, loves green beans.
    • I rode my bike, (which) now had two bent spokes, back home.

    When to Use “Which”:

    Non-Restrictive Clauses (Extra Information):

    Definition: Clauses that add extra details about the noun but are not necessary to identify it. If removed, the sentence’s meaning remains clear.

    Always set off by commas.

    Examples:

    My laptop, which I bought last year, is already outdated.
    (Adds extra info about the laptop; the clause is non-essential.)

    The park, which has a beautiful lake, is my favorite spot.
    (Provides additional detail about the park.)

    After Prepositions:

    When the relative clause includes a preposition, “which” is preferred.

    The house, in which I grew up, was sold last year.

    The box, for which I paid $20, is now broken.

  • who

    • [The person (who) bought his car] found gold under the seat.
    • [The girl (who) stole your phone] is outside.
    • Mrs Miggins, (who) owns a pie shop, is outside.
  • whom

    Our lawyer, (whom) we employed for over a year, was related to the complainant.

  • The choice between “who” and “whom” depends on the grammatical role of the relative pronoun in the clause.

    Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

    1. Use “Who” as the Subject
    “Who” is used when the relative pronoun is the subject of the clause (the one performing the action).

    Test: Replace “who” with “he,” “she,” or “they” to see if it makes sense.

    Examples:

    The woman (who/whom?) helped me is a doctor.
    (Test: (She) helped me. (She) is at the subject position, so use “who.”)

    The student who won the prize is my friend.
    (Test: He/She won the prize. (He/She) is at the subj position, so use “who.”)

    2. Use “Whom” as the Object
    “Whom” is used when the relative pronoun is the object of the clause (the one receiving the action).

    Test: Replace “whom” with “him,” “her,” or “them” to see if it makes sense.

    Examples:

    The man (who/whom?) I met is a teacher.
    (Test: I met [him]. [him] is at the obj position, so use “whom.”)

    The teacher (who/whom?) we admire is retiring.
    (Test: We admire [her]. [her] is at the obj position, so use “whom.”)

    3. After Prepositions
    Use “whom” when the relative pronoun follows a preposition.

    Examples:

    The friend to whom I spoke is coming over.
    (Test: I spoke to [him/her]. → at obj position, so use “whom.”)

    The candidate for whom I voted won the election.
    (Test: I voted for [him/her]. → at obj position, so use “whom.”)

    whose

    When something belongs to the noun, we use ‘whose’.

    The young girl (whose) cat scratched our sofa has offered to replace the cushions.

1. Use “that” for Restrictive Clauses

Purpose: Restrictive clauses provide essential information that defines or specifies the noun. Without them, the sentence’s meaning changes.

No commas are used.

Examples:

The book that is on the table is mine.
(Specifies which book; the clause is necessary to identify it.)

The car that I bought last week broke down.
(Identifies the specific car in question.)

2. Use “which” for Non-Restrictive Clauses

Purpose: Non-restrictive clauses add extra, non-essential information about the noun. The sentence still makes sense if the clause is removed.

Always set off by commas.

Examples:

My laptop, which I bought in 2020, still works perfectly.
(Adds extra detail about the laptop, but isn’t necessary to identify it.)

The park, which has a lake, is my favorite spot.
(Provides additional information about the park.)

Figurative Language Homework

Figurative Language

  • Simile – use ‘like’ or ‘as’ to compare two things.

    • Her eyes were as bright as stars.
    • His eyes glistened like the stars.
    • Her hair was as white as snow.
    • Her hair was white like snow.
    • She sang like a donkey.
    • I eat like a pig.
  • Metaphor – A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two seemingly unrelated things, highlighting a shared characteristic or creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind. Unlike similes, which use “like” or “as,” metaphors state that one thing is another.

    • Her laughter was music.
    • Life is a roller coaster.
    • Time is a thief.
    • His words were daggers.
    • He drowned in grief.
    • Ideas are seeds.
  • Personification – inanimate objects or abstract ideas are given human-like qualities

    • This city never sleeps.
    • The clouds loomed over me.
    • The table stood there, waiting for me.
  • Hyperbole – extreme exaggeration

    • I’ve told you a million times!
    • This weather is killing me.
    • I’m so hungry I could finish a banquet.
  • Alliteration – repetition in two or more nearby words of initial consonant sounds.

    • rocky road
    • big business
    • kissing cousins
    • jumping jacks
    • no nonsense
    • tough talk
    • quick question
    • money matters
    • picture perfect

Ted the turtle (gerund and present participle) version

Living in a cave, a turtle enjoys roaming around the deep dark forest.

Living in a cave (present participle phrase – fronted)

A turtle (subj)
enjoys (verb)
roaming around the deep dark forest. (gerund phrase)

He(s) spends(v) his mornings (dir obj) in the river. (prep phrase, swimming is used as a noun).

The weather feels [particularly hot].
adverb phrase

Swimming along the river feels exhilarating for Ted.

Subject: The subject of the sentence is the gerund phrase “Swimming along the river.” This phrase functions as a noun, representing the activity of paddling.
Verb: The main verb is “feels.” This is a linking verb, connecting the subject to the subject complement.
Subject Complement: The subject complement is the adjective “exhilarating.” This adjective describes how the activity of paddling feels to Ted.
Prepositional Phrase: The prepositional phrase “for Ted” further clarifies who experiences the exhilarating feeling.

Crawling out from the water, Ted looks up.
One of the birds, flapping its wings, lands gently onto the ground.

One of the birds – subj
flapping its wings – present participle phrase as non-restrictive
lands – verb
floating gently onto the ground – present participle phrase

Suddenly, the bird turns into a big phoenix.

The phoenix spews fire, waving his head to and fro.

The forest animals runs away, begging for their lives!