Could you please give more examples with different prepositions where the place phrase is the same as the subject.
Fortunately for us both, this is exactly the kind of thing that deeply interests me, so yes!
You don't need to focus on prepositions of place in particular. The semantic role of the prepositional object varies quite widely and is not always a 'place'. Here's a breakdown of semantic roles, with examples:
1. Recipient / Beneficiary
These involve giving, communication, or benefit:
She was talking to herself. (
to = recipient of speech)
He poured a drink for himself. (
for = beneficiary)
She kept the secret to herself. (
to = recipient/possessor of the secret)
We bought some food for ourselves. (
for = beneficiary)
2. Target / Goal / Direction
These involve spatial or metaphorical aiming or focus:
He pointed the gun at himself. (
at = target of action)
She wrapped the blanket around herself. (around = spatial target/container)
3. Theme / Content / Stimulus
These involve mental or perceptual focus:
You should be proud of yourself. (
of = stimulus of emotional evaluation)
I took a picture of myself. (
of = theme/content of the picture)
Look at yourself in the mirror. (at = visual focus; subject perceives themself)
4. Source / Withheld Recipient
This one involves denial or concealment:
He hid the truth from himself. (
from = withheld recipient of information)
5. Co-participant / Reciprocal Group
Used in reciprocal or group interaction:
They were whispering among themselves. (
among = mutual participants in the action)