Danmei Society for the Egregious Misuse of Chinese Poetry and Literature

Baike: originally, thought to be ridiculing Qin Xiang gong for not being able to consolidate his country, or the regret of being unable to attract virtuous hermits out of seclusion. However, it's not dealing with as concrete or specific of scenes as most Shijing poems, even the gender of the person being addressed is unclear. Lacking evidence (which may not have survived), those previous conclusions are in doubt. Modern scholars think of it as a love poem, unable to obtain the longing of their heart. The depression and melancholy of not being good enough to reach what you love.