English Literature: History, Styles, and Importance

English is a widely spoken West Germanic language that has its origins in Anglo-Saxon, which was brought to England by invaders from what is now Germany in the fifth century. It's been influenced by many other languages over time. One of the most notable influences comes from Latin and Old French. In modern times, it's also greatly shaped by Spanish and Arabic, both of which have contributed thousands of new words into everyday speech. Today, speakers can choose between more than half a million different words to express their thoughts, emotions, ideas, feelings and opinions.

One significant aspect of English is its extensive literary tradition. Literature refers to all printed material, including books, magazines and newspapers. This type of writing includes poetry, novels, short stories, plays and dramas, essays, letters and memoirs. Authors of these works often use figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, allegories, paradoxes and personifications, as well as many other poetical figures. Notable pieces of English literature range from Shakespearean classics like Romeo & Juliet to contemporary bestsellers, with each era having its own distinctive styles and characteristics.

The history of English literature dates back to the medieval period and includes three main stages: Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Modern Period. From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, English literature largely dealt with religious themes; after the Renaissance came modernism, realism, naturalism, postmodernism, etc., where authors shifted focus to secular subjects, human life experiences and social issues. Works from each stage feature distinct societal concerns, connotations, interpretations, meanings and implications.

Literary criticism, a specialized branch of literary studies, focuses on analyzing, interpreting and evaluating literature based on its aesthetic, historical, psychological, philosophical, sociological, anthropological, political, economic and cultural aspects. Criticism may involve examining elements such as characterization, setting, plot, theme, symbolism, tone, mood, imagery and language. By understanding this critical analysis, readers appreciate and comprehend complexities of literature better.

In conclusion, English literature is diverse, adaptive, evolving, insightful, interesting, enjoyable, intriguing, thought-provoking and immensely valuable when studied carefully. Its roots reach deep into Western civilization and appeal strongly to current readers worldwide because they reflect universal human experience. Therefore, studying literature in English offers unparalleled opportunities to enjoy fascinating journeys into humanity's collective soul.