Final answer:
The Renaissance era provided the cultural foundation that influenced Shakespeare's work, including classical texts from Greece and Rome. Shakespeare, in turn, significantly influenced later culture with his mastery of language and dramatic arts, setting standards for future generations and impacting various forms of media.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the Renaissance on Shakespeare
The Renaissance era played a significant role in shaping William Shakespeare's work. This period, marked by a revival in classical knowledge and humanism, provided Shakespeare with the rich cultural foundation from which he drew inspiration. The introduction of Greek and Roman texts to England influenced many playwrights, including Shakespeare. The character of Falstaff, for example, shows traces of influence from the plays of Plautus, as seen in 'Ralph Roister Doister' by Nicholas Udall. Similarly, the stylistic elements of Seneca are evident in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', with its themes of violence, the supernatural, and soliloquies.
Shakespeare's Influence on Later Culture
Shakespeare's works left an indelible mark on subsequent culture, defining the Elizabethan Theatre era and contributing to the formation of modern English. His mastery over language and ability to express complex ideas poetically meant that his plays, such as 'Twelfth Night', not only delighted the audiences of his time but also set standards for future generations of writers and playwrights. The depth of his characters, the intricacy of his plots, and the emotional range of his narrative have made a lasting impact on the arts, influencing countless adaptations in theatre, literature, cinema, and other forms of media.