The correct answer is B. A main argument that is supported throughout the essay
Step-by-step explanation:
An analytical essay is a type of paper in which the main purpose is to examine and interpret a material such as a film, literary work, piece of art, etc. according to a main argument or interpretation the author has about it, which is called the thesis statement. This main argument or thesis statement can include one or multiple elements related to the interpretation of the material and also this is always supported and developed in the essay mainly through details, evidence, and arguments in the body paragraphs and therefore without the main argument it is not possible to write an analytical essay. Therefore, the element Erica need to include as she writes an essay of one of the plays of Shakespeare is a main argument that is supported throughout the essay as this is the statement she will use to develop all the text.