Here's why:
* Italicization is typically reserved for larger works: Titles of books, plays, journals, magazines, newspapers, films, and albums are italicized. Essays, as shorter works, are usually treated differently.
* Quotation marks are the standard for essays: You should put the title of the essay in quotation marks.
Example:
In her essay, "The Myth of the American Dream," Susan Sontag argues that...
Exceptions:
* If the essay is a standalone publication: For example, if the essay you are referencing is a published article in a journal, you would italicize the title.
* Specific style guides: Some style guides might have specific rules for italicizing essay titles.
If you are unsure, it is always best to consult your instructor or the specific style guide for your assignment.