Viewing the Sea
Cao Cao [Han Dynasty]
To the east is Jieshi to view the Sea.
Where is the water? The mountains and islands are standing tall.
There are many trees and lush grass.
The autumn wind is bleak and the waves are rising.
The journey of the sun and the moon, if it comes out of it.
The stars are as brilliant as if they came from within.
Fortunately, I sing to express my ambition.
Translation:
Go east and climb the tall Jieshi Mountain to view the vast sea.
The sea is so vast and vast, with mountains and islands standing tall and tall in the sea.
The surrounding trees are lush and the flowers and plants are luxuriant.
The bleak wind came, the vegetation swayed, and huge waves surged in the sea.
The sun and moon rise and set as if emanating from this vast ocean.
The brilliant stars in the Milky Way also seem to emerge from the embrace of the sea.
What a blessing! Just use poetry to express your feelings.
Appreciation:
Cao Cao's song "Viewing the Sea" accurately and vividly depicts the image of the ocean, simple yet full, rich but not trivial, like a thick charcoal drawing . What is particularly valuable is that this poem not only reflects the image of the ocean, but also gives it character. Each sentence describes the scenery, and each sentence is lyrical. It expresses both the sea and the poet himself.
The poet is not satisfied with imitating the shape of the ocean, but strives to express the deep, turbulent character of the ocean through images. The sea is originally lifeless, but it has character in the poet's writings. Only in this way can the face of the sea be reflected more truly and profoundly.
Creative background
Wuhuan was a serious problem in the Northeast at that time. In the 11th year of Jian'an (206), Wuhuan captured Youzhou and captured more than 100,000 Han households. In the same year, Yuan Shao's sons Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi colluded with Tadun, the leader of Wuhuan in western Liaoning, and repeatedly harassed the border. As a result, Cao Cao had to decide to go north to conquer Wuhuan in the 12th year of Jian'an (207). Later, under the guidance of Tian Chou, Xiao used strategies.
In a battle around August of this year, Cao Cao finally achieved a decisive victory. This victory consolidated Cao Cao's rear and laid the foundation for his move south the following year in order to realize his ambition to unify China. And "Guan Cang Hai" was written when he passed through Jieshi Mountain after returning from the northern expedition to Wuhuan after victory.