Question

select the correct answer.

what is the purpose of citing textual evidence in a literary analysis essay?
a. to show the reader that the writer is knowledgeable
b. to provide the central argument of the essay
c. to support the argument made in the thesis statement
d. to improve the flow of the essay
e. to provide readers with multiple viewpoints

Explanation:

Citing textual evidence in literary analysis serves to ground the essay's claims in the source text, validating the thesis's argument. Other options are incorrect: A focuses on the writer's credibility, not the core purpose; B is the role of the thesis itself, not evidence; D relates to transitions, not evidence; E is not the goal of citing direct text from the work.

Answer:

C. to support the argument made in the thesis statement