Is it wrong to call an author by his first name in an essay?

In academic writing, it is generally advisable to refer to authors by their last names, especially in formal essays, to maintain a level of professionalism and respect. Using first names can be perceived as overly casual and may undermine the seriousness of the analysis. However, in some contexts, such as informal discussions or personal reflections, using first names might be acceptable. Ultimately, it depends on the essay's tone and the conventions of the discipline.