love

• "If I should die, think only this of me: / That there’s some corner of a foreign field / That is forever England."

  Here, the speaker expresses a desire for his love for England to remain eternal, even beyond his death. The "corner of a foreign field" symbolizes the sacrifice of life in a distant land, but the love for England remains undiminished, portraying patriotic love as noble and everlasting.
• "In that rich earth a richer dust concealed."

  The "richer dust" suggests that the soldier’s remains will be a part of England forever, symbolizing love through sacrifice. The love for country is so profound that even death becomes a beautiful, meaningful act.
• "A body of England’s, breathing English air."

  The speaker’s love for England is intertwined with his identity, emphasizing a deep personal connection and pride in his homeland.
• "Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; / And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, / In hearts at peace, under an English heaven"

  paint a picture of a perfect, idyllic homeland

  This idealized vision fuels the soldier's love and makes his sacrifice seem worthwhile

  The poem presents an idealized image of England, filled with beauty and goodness
• "A body of England's, breathing English air, / Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home"

  emphasize the intimate connection between the soldier and his country, suggesting that his love and sacrifice will leave a lasting, positive impact

  The speaker suggests that dying for England is a form of transcendence. By giving his life, he becomes one with the land, enriching and purifying it