no, just because they've asked for your understanding etc. doesnt mean that you use first person. its ust common sense - think about it, if you are required to analyse a text or texts, which is what you're doing, what else are rthey going to say - "How have these texts developed the understanding of the concept of journey of the person sitting three rows up and 2 seats to the left of you?" how ridiculous. the 'personal' aspect of your response comes through by your level of engagement with the text - basically, how you anlayse it and the meaning that you extract from it and choose to write about. Do not write a formal essay in first person. "I" should never, EVER be seen in an essay unless it is a part of a quote.