What does the reef symbolize?

The reef not only symbolizes that the poet himself does not bow to fate, but also symbolizes the indomitable spirit of our nation. The ocean symbolizes the source of all kinds of difficulties and is the source of human inferiority and evil. Smile is a kind of self-confidence in the face of difficulties and hardships, a contempt for the strong in the face of cruel enemies, and a comfort in the moment of joy and victory. The Rock was written in July 1954, and everything was in full swing at the beginning of socialist construction in new China. However, the difficulties faced by China are hard to disappear, let alone "surrounded by imperialism". As far as economic construction is concerned, difficulties and blows have never stopped. In such a new historical period, the people of China need spiritual encouragement as much as in wartime. As the poet said: "As a nation, as an individual who demands the right to live, what should I do if I encounter continuous persecution?" "This is just an attitude that should be taken from the perspective of a' reef' that has been' endlessly declining'-what other way can there be? However, some people say that rocks are "enemies of ships of all sizes" ... He completely forgot that rocks are immovable, and "ships of all sizes" should not touch those stubborn rocks. This is a different result of looking at the problem from two different angles. " (Preface to Selected Poems of Ai Qing) The reef was born at the right time, which really inspired several generations of China people.