Critical theory can really change the way we connect with important literary works. It gives us new ways to look at these texts and can lead to exciting interpretations.

First, critical theory helps us examine books through different viewpoints. We can use ideas like feminism, Marxism, post-colonialism, and psychoanalysis to find different meanings in the stories. For example, looking at a book from a feminist viewpoint might show us how women are represented in stories that are mostly written from a male point of view. This makes us ask important questions about power and how people are shown in literature.

Second, critical theory reminds us to think about the time and culture when these important works were written. By learning about the author's life and the society they lived in, we can better understand why the story matters today. For instance, when we read "The Great Gatsby," knowing about class differences and the American Dream helps us see the deeper themes in the book.

Finally, critical theory encourages us to read actively and think deeply. It pushes us to talk about what we read, question our own ideas, and consider many different meanings instead of just one "correct" interpretation.

In short, critical theory has a big impact on how we understand literature. By using these ideas, we can deepen our understanding and make reading a more engaging and thought-provoking experience.