This page contains links to the free original text of Hamlet by Shakespeare.

The language used in Shakespeare’s day is slightly different to today’s modern English, which is reflected in the text. Our article on Shakespeare & early modern English, or our Shakespeare dictionary, will help you to understand the language as you read through the original text

Another thing to bear in mind as you read the Hamlet text are Shakespeare’s stage directions, which are italicised. Stage directions are instructions and direction to the actors, and not spoken lines. Some stage directions can be a little confusing, so have a read of our understanding Shakespeare’s stage directions article.

The text of Hamlet is very long, so we have separated the play into it’s original 5 Acts. Click on the appropriate links below to read Shakespeare’s original script of Hamlet, or Hamlet translated into simple, modern English: