The correct answer to the question is:
A. comment on the quotation
Explanation:
1. A comment on the quotation is a literary essay element that helps a writer explain how a quotation supports the thesis. This element allows the writer to analyze the significance of the quotation in relation to the main argument or point being made in the essay.
2. By providing a comment on the quotation, the writer can explain how the specific words or ideas in the quotation are relevant to the overall thesis of the essay. This analysis helps to connect the quotation to the main argument and further strengthen the writer's position.
3. In contrast:
- Parenthetical citation is used to give credit to the original source of the quotation but does not directly explain how it supports the thesis.
- A hook is used to grab the reader's attention at the beginning of the essay and is not specifically related to explaining how a quotation supports the thesis.
- Summary is a brief overview of the main points in the essay and does not focus on analyzing individual quotations.
- Direct quotation is the inclusion of a specific excerpt from a text but does not inherently provide an explanation of how it supports the thesis.
Therefore, the most appropriate element for explaining how a quotation supports the thesis in a literary essay is a comment on the quotation.
