"referring to other literary works with a similar theme" would be the least recommended for this type of essay writing.
A response-to-literature essay typically includes a brief summary of the plot in order to support the references made later in the essay. It is persuasive, establishing the writer's viewpoints and opinions. When analyzing the theme, a major element of a response to literature, one should cite evidence. A reference to other works with a similar theme may be included, but it is the least essential of the list, assuming the essay is not a comparative essay.
