His education: Shakespeare attended grammar school, where he would have studied the works of classical authors such as Ovid and Virgil. These works would have provided him with a foundation in literature and rhetoric.
The Renaissance: Shakespeare lived during the Renaissance, a period of great cultural and intellectual change. The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in the arts and literature, and this would have provided Shakespeare with a wealth of material to draw on.
The Elizabethan theatre: Shakespeare's plays were written for the Elizabethan theatre, which was a vibrant and popular form of entertainment. The theatre provided Shakespeare with a space to experiment with different genres and styles.
His contemporaries: Shakespeare was part of a group of talented writers and poets, including Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson. These writers would have influenced and inspired each other.
His own life experiences: Shakespeare's own life experiences would have also influenced his writing. His sonnets, for example, are often thought to reflect his personal experiences of love and loss.
In addition to these specific influences, Shakespeare was also likely inspired by the general atmosphere of creativity and innovation that existed during the Renaissance. This period saw a renewed interest in the arts and literature, and Shakespeare was able to take advantage of this by creating some of the greatest works of literature in the English language.