Abstract:  “Poetic imagery theory” can by no means account for all features in poetry. This is particularly true when the tradition of onthespot recording and narration is emphasized in classical poetry, thus calling for a different interpretive tool. “Circumstanceoriented theory” gained gradual prominence after the brewing of poetics in Ming and Qing Dynasties and especially after the employment by figures like Weng Fanggang and Fang Dongshu. “Circumstanceoriented theory” reflects an important train of thought in classical poetics which highlights and reflects on “circumstance”, and address “circumstance” head on. Therefore, it is worthwhile to construct contemporary academic system of “circumstanceoriented theory” based on its development in classical poetics.

Key words: circumstance, poetic imagery, poetic context