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

The purpose of citing textual evidence in a literary analysis essay is to...

to support the argument made in the thesis statement.

It's always good to cite textual evidence, especially in a literary analysis essay because it supports the argument. To give a proper and valid argument you need evidence to back it up what you want to say. Otherwise, your argument can, possibly, not be taken seriously by readers.

- Marlon Nunez