歷來論者多認為黃庭堅專注心性修養而與政治疏離，然通過對黃庭堅〈胡宗元詩集序〉的細緻研析，能發現黃庭堅「不怨之怨」的主張，其實有意兼容《詩經》的「興託高遠」與《楚辭》的「忿世疾邪」之旨。他指出詩人應游移於「怨」與「不怨」之間，顯示其未嘗忘懷時事，只是選擇以「候蟲」範式巧妙傳達參與政治之心跡。實踐層面上，黃庭堅或透過意象的運用，或藉由詰問的設計，使其詩作亦能維持一定的批判力度。再者，黃庭堅常追懷歷史人物或事件，闡發盡忠為國的襟抱，或借鑒史事諷諭世道，凡此皆可視為其政治關懷的體現。

Research has tended to think that Huang Ting-Jian focused on self-cultivation and being apolitical. However, Huang Ting-Jian wrote the preface of “Hu Zongyuan's poetry book”, he claimed “Unresentful Resentment.”. In fact, he wanted to reconcile with the spirit of “ Metaphorical Imagery “ from the “Book of Songs” and the concept of “ Ironic Style” from the “Chu Ci.” Huang Ting-Jian believed that poets should oscillate between “ resentment “ and “non-resentment,” demonstrating their engagement with current affairs like “caterpillar-waiting” metaphor to convey their political participation. Practically, Huang Ting-Jian utilized imagery and designed heckling within his poems, maintaining critical force. Furthermore, he frequently reminisced about historical figures or events, expressing his loyalty to the country or admonishing society by historical events. These can be seen as embodiments of his political concerns.