Context Essay - Main Text

[Deleted User]

With the main text, how much reference to it would we need to make? If we're writing an expository/persuasive essay, do we have to mention it at least once in each body paragraph? 

[Felicity Wishes]

Don't have to mention it at all. It just has to be clear that you have drawn ideas from it. Try to focus on the historical context rather than the plot.

[Deleted User]

I prefer to make explicit references from the text. So if I do this, would analysing two themes or ideas from the text in two of my paragraphs be enough, or should I do one more in my third body paragraph?

[Felicity Wishes]

I prefer to make explicit references from the text. So if I do this, would analysing two themes or ideas from the text in two of my paragraphs be enough, or should I do one more in my third body paragraph?

Two is easily enough.

[FlorianK]

With the main text, how much reference to it would we need to make? If we're writing an expository/persuasive essay, do we have to mention it at least once in each body paragraph?

For expository I'd say you need to directly mention it.
I personally evidence my idea with one story from GrowingUpAsian and 1 outside resource.

[Felicity Wishes]

With the main text, how much reference to it would we need to make? If we're writing an expository/persuasive essay, do we have to mention it at least once in each body paragraph?

For expository I'd say you need to directly mention it.
I personally evidence my idea with one story from GrowingUpAsian and 1 outside resource.

I'm doing expository. You don't have to mention it directly. It is not a text response.
I do three body paragraphs, the first on the Salem Witch trials (my text is the Crucible) and the other two on outside ideas like the McCarthy Era.

...Although I'm not suggesting that what i'm saying is the correct way to do it. There are plenty of ways to approach context.