The ocean symbolizes human bad nature and the source of evil; the reef symbolizes the poet himself who does not bow to fate; smile is a kind of self-confidence in the face of hardships; the poet expresses his tenacity through this poem. It is a heartfelt praise for the existence of life, and also a deep encouragement to the people of the motherland who are in various troubles and squeezes.
The language of this poem is concise, using techniques such as foil and comparison, a calm and objective description technique, and an image outline from the narrative perspective of a bystander. It does not elaborate on meaning or emotion, leaving the meaning and rhyme in it. For readers to experience, it is very rich in poetic beauty.
Extended information
The image of the reef depicted in this poem is just like a person who has been tested for a long time. No matter the east, west, north or south winds, no matter how many injuries and blows, it cannot let it go. Even if it moves a step, it will not lose its faith and confidence in life.
The rocks that have withstood the chop of knives and waves, still face the ocean with a smile, and the fighters who have gone through hardships still live bravely and strongly. Through this poem, the poet expresses his sincere praise for this tough and tenacious existence. This kind of existence can be either a person or a motherland that is in various troubles and squeezes.
This poem does not have a direct cry from the heart, but only a calm and objective description. It adopts the narrative perspective of a bystander, as if the poet is just presenting a fact.