Final answer:
According to William Blake, aspects like the interplay of good and evil could define us, as represented in his poem The Tyger. Growth and personal experiences, as well as how we perceive and interact with the world, shape our identity. Literature serves as a reflection and exploration of these philosophical and human questions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "What makes you who you are?" is deeply philosophical and can be approached through various lenses, including literature like William Blake's The Tyger. Blake might suggest that what defines us includes the tension between opposing forces of good and evil, as exemplified in the dual nature of the tiger in his poem. Our own sense of self, as implied by Blake's work, appears to be influenced by our awe, curiosity, and the contemplation of nature's complexities.
From a personal perspective, identity can be thought to be shaped by a combination of factors such as our personal experiences, the way we view the world, how we communicate, and our fundamental beliefs. Considering the growth from childhood to adulthood, as mentioned in Wordsworth's notion that 'the child is father of the man,' lifespan development plays a crucial role in forming who we are. Literature, from novels to poetry, not only reflects these philosophical queries but also enhances our understanding of ourselves and the human condition.
Ultimately, understanding what makes us human requires examining the values we hold dear such as beauty, love, and freedom, and recognizing that they are informed by our culture, as well as our individual pathways to adulthood. These elements together, along with others discussed in various texts and philosophical musings, contribute to the mosaic of our identity.