Final answer:
The 'drowned one' is a metaphorical representation of powerlessness within societal and governmental structures in Chinese culture, reflected in art and literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of "the drowned one" in the context you've described seems to be a metaphorical representation used in Chinese art and literature. It alludes to feelings of powerlessness and voicelessness within the rigid structures of society and government.
One such reference in art is the image 980815 (8.5.12) by Fang, showcasing a bald man drowning in water. This image conveys a critique of societal norms where individuals are judged by their outward appearances, such as bald men being stereotypically considered unintelligent in China, and of occupations like painters being disdained.
Fang uses the situation of drowning to symbolize the struggle of living in China without the power to speak out or act independently.
The metaphor extends beyond Fang's artwork into historical and cultural contexts.
The fear of metaphorical drowning reflects a deep-rooted concern within Chinese society about being overwhelmed by societal rules or catastrophic events, such as the governmental decision to flood lands to stall Japanese advances during the war, mentioned in the provided passages.
Moreover, the references from literature, including a character contending with the notion of drowning at the whims of the 'seven mad gods' and discussions about the aspect of fear before seeing the feared entity, can reflect a broader cultural and psychological analysis of fear and powerlessness.
These examples underline the thematic significance of drowning as a powerful and fearful state, both literally and figuratively, within Chinese historical and cultural narratives.