Poetry knowledge explains what the symbolic meaning of stagnant water refers to.

There are different views on the sustenance of stagnant water. A popular view is that the whole poem is a metaphor. It uses a ditch of stagnant water to describe the stagnant, stinking and lifeless social reality. The combination of "stagnant water" and "despair" is the poet's firm denial of reality, showing a distinct critical spirit.

There are also several statements about the symbolic meaning of "stagnant water". (1) "stagnant water" symbolizes American society, which is a prosperous society with evil heart. (2) It symbolizes the Beiyang government. At that time, the corrupt northern warlords created the "March 18th" tragedy that shocked China and foreign countries, and aroused the indignation of the people all over the country. (3) It symbolizes the dark reality of China.

But the general view is that the publication of Dead Water shows that Wen Yiduo is not discouraged by the reality of China, but despairs and denies the Beiyang government. In other words, this Beiyang government is "a backwater of despair", "this is definitely not the beauty" and "it is better to let ugliness cultivate it". The poet's attitude is so decisive and intense!