- The Bible: Shakespeare was a Christian and his works are full of biblical references. For example, in The Merchant of Venice, Shylock's famous "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech is based on a passage from the Book of Job.
- Classical mythology: Shakespeare was well-educated and he had a deep knowledge of classical mythology. He often used Greek and Roman myths in his plays, such as the story of Pyramus and Thisbe in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
- English history: Shakespeare was a patriotic Englishman and he wrote many plays about English history, such as Henry VI and Richard III.
- Italian literature: Shakespeare was also inspired by Italian literature, particularly the works of Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarch. For example, the plot of Romeo and Juliet is based on a story from Boccaccio's Decameron.
- Elizabethan culture: Shakespeare was a product of his time and his works reflect the Elizabethan culture in which he lived. His plays are full of references to contemporary events, fashions, and customs.
In addition to these specific sources, Shakespeare was also inspired by his own life experiences. He drew on his own observations of people and events to create his characters and stories. Shakespeare was a genius who was able to combine all of these different sources into a unique and enduring body of work.