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 Ilamlet
-WILLIAM
SFIAKtrSPEARE
Level 3

Retold by Chris Rice

Series Editors: Andy Hopkins and Jocelyn Potter
 Contents
Pearson Education Limited
Edinburgh Gate, Flarlow,
Essex CM20 2JE,England
and Associated Companies throughout
the world' page
ISBN 97 B_T_4058-81 86-9 Introduction V

First Published 2006 The People in the Play viii

This edition Published 2008
Act 1 The Ghost on the Castle Wbll 1
13579108642
Act 2 The Mad Prince 9
Text copyright @ Pearson Education 2008
Illustrations copyright @ Maggie Downet
2006
Act 3 Dark Secrets I5
.Wicked
Act 4 Plans 29
Typeset by GraphtctÑ Limited' Hong
Kong
Set in Lt/1'4Pt Bembo Act 5 Final Acts of Revenge 39
Printed in China
SWTC/O1 Activities 4B

Produced for the Publishers bY

Graphicraft Productions Limited' Dartford'
UK

may be reproduced, stored

Atl rights resewed; no part of this publication
or by any means'
in a retrieual system, or transmitted in any form
photocopying, recording or othenttise, without
the
electronic, mechanical,
prior written permission of the Publishers'

PublishedbyPearsonEducationLimitedinassociationwith
Plc
penguin Books Ltd, both companies being subsidiaries of Pearson

iii
 Introduction

'Oh, how can a great man_foll so low? A prince) a stwdent, a soldier, the
flower of his country, the mirror of eueryone's dreams - all gone! He was
so braue, cleuer and beautiful. He was the most perfect of men. He filled
my ears with the sweet music of his promises. Bwt now he fills them with
the crazy words of a broken mind.'

Ophelia is in love with Flamlet, the Prince of Denmark, but

-Why
Hamlet is actirg very strangely.'Why is he so rude to her? is

his heart filled with s_o much sadness and angry pain? Is he really
rnad, or does he have a secret plan?
Only two people know Hamlet's real secret - his good friends
Marcellus and Horatio but they have promised not to tell
anyone. Flamlet wants revenge! FIis wicked uncle, Claudius, has
murdered his father and married his mother, and Hamlet wants
to punish him. But how?'Will the young prince be strong and
brave enough to take his revenge?'Will he succeed in destroyitg
the wickedness that is destroying him?
Hamlet ts one of the most famous plays in the world, and it
is as true and alive today as it was four hundred years ago. In a
world of lies and murder, Flamlet is different. He is honest and
thoughtful. He believes in goodness. But he is not perfect. He is
an ordinary man who makes mistakes. Often, he cannot decide
what to do. This is what makes him, and the play, so special.
There are no sirnple answers to diflicult questions. There is no
easy promise of happiness for good people in a bad world.
This is a story full of death murder, accidents, illness and
graves. But there is a message of hope. It is possible for even the
weakest of people to be brave. And we can learn something good
about ourselves when we are suffering the most terrible pain.
 Flamlet decides to frght the wickedness of the world and the
shadows in his he art at the same time. Perhaps he will succeed -
and perhaps not. But it is important that he has tried. He will
become a better person.
Hamlel was Shakespeare's 25'h play,, and it was written between
1598 and 1602. It is the story of a young Danish prince who
lived 1.,7 00 years ago. The story of F{amlet is found in eaü
European literature: the first example was in 1250. A play with
the same story was produced a short time before 1589,, and it
was very popular in London theatres between 1594 and 1596.
Shakespeare made the story into the beautifully-written play that
we all know today. It is still acted in theatres all around the world.
People are always discovering something new and interesting
about it.
There have also been many films of Hamlet. One of the most
successful was made in 1996, with Kenneth Branagh as Hamlet,
-Winslet
Julie Christie as Gertrude and Kate as Ophelia. Many
world-famous actors are in it, even in the smallest parts. For
example, Robin-Williams is Osric and Gerard Depardieu is only a
messenger! The film is four hours'long, but it was a great success
at the cinema.
'W.illiam
Shakespeare (1561-1616) is the most famous writer of
plays in the English language. F{e was born in Stratford-upon-
Avon, in E,ngland. FIe went to a good school, but did not go to
universify. In 1582, he married Anne F{athaway and had three
children. By 1592, he was famous in London as aÍt actor and
writer. Over the next twenfy years he wrote thirty-seven plays
and many famous poems. F{e sometimes wrote three plrys a yeatl
FIis plays were very popular, and many of them were acted in
front of KingJames I.
V1
Reading and acting the play
You cara rcad Hamlel silently, like every other story LÍt a book. You
will have to imagine the places, the people's clothes and their
voices from the words on the page.
But Shakespeare did not write Hamler as literature for reading.
He wrote it for actors on a theatre stage. You can read the play in
a group with other people. This is very different from silent
reading. You carr speak the words and bring the people in the
play to life. They cart sound hrppy or sad, worried or angry. You
cart add silences and important noises, like the sound of music
or guns. You c^rt also stop and discuss the play. What does this
person mean? Why does helshe say that?
But you can- have more fun if you act the play. Hamlel has
a lot of exciting scenes. There are also some beautiful speeches.
The people in the play have to show a lot of different feelings. If
you act the play, you can show these feelings by your words and
actions.
Most of the story happens inside a large castle, You should
think about the furniture in the rooms - nice tables and chairs,
beautiful curtains, pictures on the walls. You should also think
about the clothes a lot of gold and silver for the King and
Queen, soldier's clothes for the Ghost, simpler clothes for Flamlet
and Ophelia. You will need some special equipment, too, like
swords. In some scenes, there are only two or three people
talking, but in others there are crowds. You will have to think
about where people sit or stand in the large rooms at court. And
you will also have to plan the big swordfight at the end.
Hamlet ts a wonderful play. You cart read it or act tt. But have
fun and enjoy it!
v11
 The People in the Ploy Act 1 The Ghost on the Castle'Wall

FIaurEr, Prince of Denmark
CrauoIUS, King of Denmark, Hamlet's uncle
GEnrnuDE, Queen of Denmark, Hamlet's mother
PoroNIUS, the most important man at the King's court
OpHErra, Polonius's daughter
LaEnrEs, Polonius's son
Scene 1 The largest room in the Kíng's castle
lThere is a ptatform at one end of the room, with beawtifwl chairs for
the King and Qween. Polonius, Laertes, Hamlet, Ophelia,Voltemand,
Cornelius and other lords and ladies are waiting arownd the platfor*.
Music plays. Clawdiws and Gertrude come in and stand on the

TnE Gnosr of Hamlet's father platform in front of their chairs.]

Honarro, FIamlet's friend CraupIUS lto euerybodyl, The memory of our king, my dear
Ro sENCRANT z, HantTet's old schoolfriend brother, is still fresh in all our hearts. The sadness of his death
GUnoENSTERN, Hamlet's old schoolfriend will be with us for ever, but we must begin to think of other
MancELLUS, a soldier, Hamlet's friend things. So, with one eye wet and the other eye dry, I have
taken my brother's sister, the Queen, as my wife. 'We married
Osruc, a lord at the King's court with your permission, and for this we thank you. But some
VorrpMAND, the King's messenger to Nor,'way people think that our grief has made us weak. Young
ConNELIUS, the King's messenger to Norway
Fortinbras of Norway is planning to attack our country. FIe
FonTINBRAS, Prince of Norway
wants to take back from us his father's lost land. This is land
Fmsr Acron that my brother won honestly and bravely many years ago.
SEcoNnAcron lholding up a letterl I have written to young Fortinbras's uncle,
Tnmo Acron the King of Norway. The old King is weak, and cannot leave
his bed. He knows nothing about his nephew's unlawful plans
BanNanDO, a soldier for wat agarnst us.lto Corneliws and Voltemandl Take this letter
AW'onKMAN to the King as quickly as you can. We do not have much time.
A Sarron
lVoltemand and Corneliws take the letter and leaue. Clawdius turns
A MEssENGER at the King's court to Laertes with a warm smile.l And now, Laertes, you have
A MEssENGER from England
something to ask me? No man at this court is more imporÍant
A CuURCHMAN
to me than your father, so do not be shy. Tell me what you
OrHEn Lonps and Lanms at the King's court want.
SEnvaNTS at the King's court LnEnrEs: My Lord, I came back to Denmark to see you become
Soromns and OpncERS at the King's court king. Now I would like to return to France.
Sornmns with Fortinbras Crauprus lto Poloniws): Does he have your permission?

vl11
 'With I empfy, useless place to me! How can things go so wrong
PoToNIUS: a heavy heart, agree.
Crauprus lto Laertesl : You have my permission, too. lturning to
Hamler] But no\M, rny nephew Hamlet, and my son . was a wonderful king, and so loving to nry mother. He was
Flaursr langrily to himselfl: I am more than a nephew but less
than a son!
CraupIUS: Why are you still so unhappy?
Fla¡wrsr lwith a cold smilel: How carr I be unhappy,my Lord, when
you are so kind to me?
GEnrnuDE Itoftfl: Dear Hamlet, stop wearing those black clothes
and be friendly to our new king. You must stop feeling sad
about your father. We all have to die one day.
FImnrEr lcoldly]: Yes, Madam, we do. But my grief is more than
just black clothes, sad speeches and eyes full of tears. My grief
is real. It is inside me. You cannot see the true sadness in rny
heart.
Crauprus:A11 men lose their fathers, and a son must feel sadness.
But too much sadness is not the grief of a real man. It is a
crime against God, against the dead, even a crime against
reason. So throw away this useless grief and think of me as
your father. After me, you will be the next king. And my love
for you is as great as the love of a father for his son. I know
that you want to return to your studies in'Wittenberg. But I
want you to stay here with me. Then I can see you every day.
You are the most important person at my court.
GEnrnuDE,: Stay here with us, Hamlet. Don't go to'Wittenberg.
FI¿¡wrEr lto Gertrwde]: I will do what you ask, Madam.
Crauprus lsmiling at Gertrude]: Come, Madam. Hamlet's sensible
words have pleased my heart. Let's open the wine and drink to
our happiness and to the health of Denmark!
lMusic plays. Euerybody leaues except Hamlet.f
"T'J ::{',!r:r,K?{',4^X}i T''l ffi1il":."iJ
so quickly? My father's only been dead for two months. He
everything to her. But less than a month after his death - oh,
I carlt even think of it! Wbakness, your name is-W.oman! Less
than a month after his death, this grief-filled woman married
my uncle! Less than a month - before the salt of her dishonest
tears turned her eyes red! Oh, what a wicked woman, to hurry
so quickly to the bed of her dead husband's brother! My heart
is breaking, lnoticing the arriual of Horatio, Marcellws and Barnardof
but it must break quietly. I must say nothing more.
F{onauo: Greetings, my Lord.
FIa¡¿rEr lsmiling]: Horatio! What are you doing in Elsinore? I
thought you were in Wittenberg.
Flonerro: My Lord, I came when I heard about your father's
death.
HamrEr lqwietlyl:Yes, that was the worst d^y of my life.
F{onarlo: I saw your father once. FIe was a good king.
Ha¡nrEr: FIe was a man. There won't be a íÍran like him agarrr.
Honanto lneruowslryl: My Lord, I think I saw him last night.
Ha¡nrnr lswrprisedl: Saw?'Who?
Honanro: The King, your father. Three nights zgo, these two
good men, Marcellus and Barnardo, saw your father's ghost
while they were on guard on the castle wall. They saw him
agarrr the next night. Dressed like a soldier, he walked past
them slowly. He then disappeared into the shadows as they
watched. Last night, I joined them on guard and I saw him
too. It was exactly as they described it. It was your father.
HemrEr: Did you speak to him?
-We
HonArto: did, my Lord, but he didn't reply.
F{a¡nrEr: Did he look angry?
HonATto: More sad than angry.
n'3: Flelrnrpr:
-What
colour was his beard?
Flonanro: The same as when he was alive black mixed with
k Opnnua fwnhappilfirAll right, my Lord.
silver.
lThey leaue.f
Ha¡nrEr lexcitedlyf: I'11 join you on guard tonight. Perhaps he'll
come agarn. If it is my father, I'11 speak ro him. But please,
Scene 3 The castle wall at night
don't tell anyone about this. It must be our secret. I'11 meet you
on the castle wall just before midnight. Until then, goodbye. lThere is a fwll moon and the ground is couered with snow. Hamlet,
lHoratio, Marcellws and Barnardo leaue.] MV father's ghost! Horatio and Marcellws arriue,l
Dressed like a soldier! All is not well. No good will come of
Ha¡nrnr: It's cold out here. W.hat time is it?
this. Something bad's going to happen and nothing in the
MencELLUS: Twelve o'clock.
world will stop it. lHe leaues.)
lThe Ghost arriues.]
Scene 2 Ophelia's room in the castle
Floneuo lexcitedlyl:Look, my Lord, it's here.
lIn the roorn are a bed, a chair and d table auith a mirror on it. Ha¡nrpr lseeing the Ghost]: God help us! Are you from Fleaven or
.Why
Ophelia is sitting at the mirror, tidying her hair. Poloniws comes in.l from Flell? King, Father, speak to me! has your dead
body left your grave? Why do you walk around in the
Poromrus langrily): I've heard that you and Flamlet are spending a
moonlight in soldiers' clothes?
lot of time together. If it's true, I'm not h"ppy. Be honest with
me.-What's happening between you and Hamlet? lThe Ghost ntakes a sign with his finger for Hamlet to follow]
OpnErra Itoftlyl: He's shown many signs of love for me.
Honarro: It's calling you. It has a secret to tell you.
PoroNIus lpulling Ophelia to feet and shaking her rowghly by the
her
MancpLLUS: It wants you to follow it. But don't go.
arms]: Signs of love?You speak like a child. You're too young to
Haursr: If it refuses to speak to me here, I must follow it.
understand the real meaning of these things. Do you believe
Honanto lneruowslry]: l.do, my Lord!
these 'signs', 2S you call them? -Why
HaurEr lcalrnly): not? I'm not afrard of it.
OpnErra lshaking her head and cryingl:I don't know, my Lord.
MancpLLUS lholding Hamlet's arrnl : You mustn't go!
PoToNIUS: These 'signs' of love are not the real thing. You must
Flamrpr langrily]: Take your hands off me! I'11 make a ghost of
be more careful, or you'll get into trouble.
anyone r,vho tries to stop me!
OpnErIe: My Lord, he's always acted well towards me. -When he
speaks of love, he seems to mean it. lMarcellws takes his hands aLuay. The Ghost leaues and Hamlet
-When
PoToNIUS: I'm sure he does. a young man's blood burns follows.l
with love, his tongue easily finds fine words. But believe me,
Honarro: FIe's listenirg too much to his imagination.
these words have no meaning. I order you to stay away from
MancnLLUS:'We must follow him. We have to protect him.
him. ltwrning away and pulling her by the arm] Now come with
lThey leaue.]
 Scene 4 A dark, snowy forest
lHamlet arriues,,following the Ghost.l
'Where
FIa¡nrEr lstoppingl: are you taking me? Speak, or I refuse
to walk another step.
Guosr lstopping and turning rowndf: I am the ghost of your father.
I have to spend *y nights in darkness and my days in the fires
of Hell until someone has paid for the crime against me. Listen
to me, amd listen to me well. If you love your father,you must
punish his murderer.
HaurEr lcryingl : Oh, God! Murder?
Gnosr: Yes, the worst kind of murder. It was reported that I was
killed by a wild animal in the garden. But that is a lie. My
murCerer was the antrnal who is now the king.
Flmnrpr: I knew it! My uncle?
'With his clever words and wicked mind, he won
Gnosr: Yes.
the heart of my queen. I troved her with an honest heart,
but now she has accepted the love of a dog! She is a weak
woman. But morning is near - I must hurry with my story.
-While
One afternooo, I was sleeping in my garden as usual.
I was asleep, your uncle poured poison into my ears. In this
way, I was robbed of my life,my country and my queen. Ifyou
love your father, you must punish his wicked brother for his
crime. But do not lift art a:ngrlr hand against your mother.
Leave her for God to judge. Now it is almost morning and I
must hurry away. Goodbye,my son, goodbye. Remember me. i
{.' x,'
.,1

lH, leaues.f
FI¿¡nrEr lholding his head and uying]: Oh, Fleaven, E,arth yeS,
even Hell - what new suffering can you throw at me? But I
must be strong. Remember you? Oh yes, dear Father. None of
my other memories are important to me now. I will not rest
until I have revenge! 'Oh, Cod! Murder?'
 lHoratio and Marcellus arriue.l
-What
Honano fworriedl: Heaven protect him! news, my Lord?
Ha¡nrnr lsmiling strangelyl: Oh, wonderful!
Honarro: That's good, my Lord. Tell us.
Flawtrnt: No, because you'll tell others about it.
FIonAno lswrprised and hwrtl: We won't, my Lord!
just told me. There's no one more wicked in all Denmark.
But let's go our different ways you to your business, I to
mine.
Honano: These are wild words, ffiy Lord.
Haurpr: I'm sorry tf you feel bad.
FIOnarrO: There's no reason for us to feel bad,my Lord.
Flaurpr: Oh, there is, Floratio! But, good friends, will you do one
last thing for me? Tell no one what you've seen tonight.
'We
Honano and MancELLUs: promise.
H¿lnrpr ltaking out his swordl: Promise on my sword.
Flonarto lcoldlyl:-We've already promised, my Lord.
Gnosr's Vorcn l_foo* below the stage]: Promise on his sword!
FIa¡nrEr llaughingf: Ha, ha. Did you hear that voice from under
the ground?
Honauo lfrightenedl: Oh, this is very strange.
FI¿¡wrEr: There are more things in Heaven and Earth than you've
ever dreamt of, Floratio.After this, you'll think I'm strange too,
even ffazy. But it will be an act * it won't be real. You'll know
my secret, but you mustn't tell. Now promise.
MancELLUS and F{onarto lpwtting their hands on Hamlet's swordl:
Wb promise.
F{a¡wrnr: So, dear friends, let's go back to the castle together.
Remember, not a word to anyone. These ate strange times.
But the unhappiest time of all was the d^y that I was born.
lThey leaue.l
Act 2 The Mad Prince
Scene 1 PoloniLts's room in the castle
lln the room are a bed, a desk with books, pens and paper on ít, and
a simple wooden chair. Poloniws is sitting at the desk. Ophelia comes
in, looking frightened.]
PoToNIUS lstanding up, worried]: Ophelia, what's the matter?
OpHErn: Oh, rny Lord, I'm so frightened. While I was sitting in
my room, Lord Hamlet came in with a crazy look in his eyes.
'What
PoToNIUS: did he say to you?
OpIrnrra: FIe took me by the wrist and looked at me strangely
for a long time. Then, without a word, h. walked out of the
room, lookin g at me over his shoulder.
PoToNIUS: This seems to be the madness of love. Flave you been
unkind to him since I last saw you?
OpHEua: I only did what you told me. I sent back all his letters
and refused to see him.
PoToNIUS: I'm sorry, Ophelia. Perhaps I was wrong about him. I
was afratd that he was just playing with you. I didn't want him
to hurt you. Wb must tell the King about this immediately.
lThey leaue.]
Scene 2 A large room in the castle
V, the room are a large fireplace, a long table and many comfortable
chairs. Pictures, swords and mirrors are hanging on the walls. There are
two doors: the main dowble doors, and a small door at the back of
the roorn. Claudiws and Gertrwde are standing in the middle of the
rolm. Their seruants are waiting behind them. Rose ncrantz and
Guildenstern come in throwgh the main doors.f
CrauoIUS: Wblcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. It is
always good to see you. But I called you here for art urgent
9
 reason. You have heard about the change in Prince Flamlet? dear Lady,for long as this body is mine. Harnlet.llooking wpfrom the
He is acting very strangely. I cannot understand the reason for letterl My daughter showed me this letter immediately, and all
it, but perhaps it is still sadness at his father's death. You are two the others that he has sent.
of his oldest friends. Spend some time with him. He will feel CrauoIUS: FIow has she received these words of love?
comfortable in your comp arry. If you carr discover the reasons Poroxrus: I told her to lock herself in her room and to receive
for his strangeness, it will help us all. no messengers or gifts. She wisely followed my orders. As a
GpnrnuDE: There is nobody that my son likes more than you. If result, the Prince fell into sadness. FIe stopped eating and
you can help us, we shall both be very grateful. sleeping. In the end, he became the madman that we all pity
GunpENsrERN:-We are proud to help. today.
GEnrnuDE: Could you visit my poor son immediately? lto two of Crauprus lto Gertrude]: Do you think this is true?
the seruants]Take these two men to Hamlet. GEnrnuDE fsadly): It seems possible.
PoToNIUS: I will prove that I am right.
lRosencrantz and Gwildenstern leaue with the seruants. Voltemand
Crauorus: FIow?
and Cornelius come in auith Polonius.]
PoroivIUS: You know that he likes to walk alone around this
'W'hat
Crauprus: Welcome, rny dear friends. news from Norway? castle - sometimes for many hours?
VorrpMAND: The old King was very sad and angr lr when he read GEnrnuDE: Yes,I have noticed.
your letter. FIe told his nephew to stop his plans for war PoToNIUS: I will
send my daughter to him during one of these
against us immediately. Fortinbras agreed, and this pleased the walks. W.e carr hide in the shadows and watch them. If I am
King. So he gave his nephew permission to take his soldiers wrong about his love for my daughter, I will becom e a farmer.
into Poland. lgiuing Claudiws a letter) F{e requests permission Crauulus:A11 right. Let's see what happens.
for Fortinbras and his soldiers to pass quietly through our
lHamlet cornes in throwgh the open main doors, reading a book.l
country.
Crauorus llooking qwickly at the letterf: This is good news, but I GEnrnuDE lquiettyl: Look. There's the poor boy.
will think about it later. Thank you for your excellent work. PoToNIUS: Forgive me, my Lord and Lady, but you must go
Go and rest. Tonight we shall eat together and have a partyl quickly. Leave me to speak to him alone. lClaudius and
Gertrwde leaue throwgh the small door at the back of the room.l How
lVoltemand and Corneliws go out, leauing the main doors open.]
are you, ffiy Lord Flamlet?
PoroxIUS: I have more good news for you, ffiy Lord and Lady. FIeurEr: 'We11,
thank God.
I have discovered why Prince F{amlet is acting strangely. He PoToNIUS: Do you know who I am?
is mad with love for my daughter. lholding up a letter] She has Haurpr: I know you very well. You're a fish-seller.
given me this. Listen, and you will understand. lreading] T0 PoToNIUS: No, I'm not.
beautiful Ophelia, I haue little skill with words I do not haue the F{annrnr: That's a pify, because fish-sellers are very honest men.
langwage to describe my pain. But I loue you. I am yours for euer, ffi! FIave you got a daughter?

10 11
PoToNIUS: I have, my Lord.
Flalvtrnr: She must stay out of the sun. It's dangerous for her
health.
PoroNrus lqwietly to himselff: FIe's completely mad. But when I
was young, I also suffered for love. I was almost as mad as he is
now. I'11 speak to him agarn. lto Hamlet)-What are you readitg,
my Lord?
HannrEr: Wbrds, words, words.
PoroNIUs: W.hat are they about?
FIe¡nrEr: Lies. The writer says here that. old men have grey
beards, small minds and weak legs. It is, of course, all true. But
it's wrong to write about it.
PoroNrus lqwietly to himself l: F{e's rnad, but he's not stupid. I'11
leave him now, and send my daughter to hirn. lto Harnlefl My
Lord, I must go rlow. Goodbye. lHt leaues throwgh the main
doors.l
Helrnmr lqwietly to hin'tselfl: Stupid old man!

lGwildenstern and Rosencrantz cottte in.f

GunoENSTERN and RosENCRANTz:My dearest Lord!

-W.hat
H¿rrnrnr lsntiling]: My dear friends, how are you both?
brings you to Elsinore?
RosENCRANTz:We came to visit you, my Lord.
-W-as
FIeurEr: this your idea, or did someone ask you to come?
-What
GunoENSTERN llawghing neruowslfl: do you mean, my Lord?
HamrEr lsuddenly seriowsl: The King and Queen wrote to You,
didn't they?
GunnENsrERN llooking at the grownd] : Yes, my Lord.
H¿trnrEr:And I can tell you why. During the last few days, I've felt
very strange. The world has lost all meaning. Nothing seems
beautiful. Men can't please me lRosencrantz lawghsf and women
f
cart't either.
RosENCRANTz: My Lord, we didn't know. 'Words, words, words.'

12
Flaurpr: So why did you laugh when I said, 'Men cart't please me'? play will make my uncle nervous. Yes, the play's the k.y to
RosTNCRANTz: Recause we passed a group of actors on our way the secrets of his heart. lH, leaues,f
to the castle. They're comitg here to act for you. If men cart't
please you, you won't enJoy their play very much.
-W.ho
FIaurEr lswddenly interestedf: But I like plays. are the actors? Act 3 Dark Secrets
lThere is the sownd of rnwsic owtside.f
Scene 1 The same large room ín the castle
GunoENSTERN: They're arriving now.
fClawdiws, Gertrwde, Polonius, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and
HaurEr lshowting lowdly into the air towards the windowl: My good
Guildenstern come in,l
men, welcome to Elsinore! I must politely shake your hands,
because you'll see me acting strangely later. My actions will Crauuus lto Rosencrantz and Guildenstern]: So you have no idea
seem funnier than your play. lqwietly to Rosencrantz and why he is so crazy?
Guildensternf You see, I've played a joke on my uncle-father RosENCRANTz:He says that he feels worried. But he didn't tell us
and aunt-mother. why.
GunnENSTERN: A joke, my Lord? GunoENSTERN:-When we ask him questions, he acts strangely.
F{mnrnr: They think that I'm crazy. But I'm only crazy some of GEnrnuDE: Did he welcome you warmly?
the time. Now my good friends, I'11 see you later tonight. Ro sENCRANtz: Yery p olitely.
-Welcome
to Elsinore. GUnoENSTERN: But it was difficult for him.
RospNcRANTZ and GunoENSTERN: Thank you, my Lord. GEnrnuDE: Did you try to make him happy?
Goodbye. IThey leaue.] RosENCRANTZ: Madam, we passed a group of actors on our way
-When
F{a¡nrpr: Now I'm alone, a prisoner of my thoughts. Oh, what a here. we told him about them, he seemed very pleased.
useless man I am! I'm the least brave of men. If I'm so brave, They are goirg to act a play for him tonight.
why haven't I taken my revenge? -Why haven't I killed my PoToNIUS lto Clawdiws and Gertrwde]: That's true. And he asked me
father's murderer and fed his body to the birds? lwildly] Oh, to invite you both to see the play.
my uncle is a wicked man, with my father's blood on his CraupIUS: This is good news . lto Rosencrantz and Gwildensternl
-Wicked,
hands! heartless man! I must have revenge! lsuddenly Go to him and interest him in the play as much as you carr.
'We
calml But it's possible that I'm wrong. FIow cart I be sure that it RosExcRANTz: will, my Lord.
was ar7 honest ghost? In my grief, perhaps I made a mistake.
lRosencrantz and Gwildenstern leaue.f
Perhaps it wasn't really the ghost of my father. No, I must be
completely sure. I must think of a plan . . . lthinking] I've heard CraupIUS: Sweet Gertrude, leave us too. Polonius and I have sent
that a gocd play carT sometimes show the wicked secrets in a for Flamlet to come here. FIe will have ar_'accrd.ental'meeting
bad man's heart. I'11 ask the actors for a story which is similar with Ophelía, and we will listen to their conversation from the
to the murder of my father. If the Ghost's words are true, the next room. Then we can judge the real reason for his madness.

I1 15
GEnrnuDE: I shall do what you ask. lto Ophelia] I hope that my
son's wildness is a result of his love for you. Then, with
sweetness and kindness, you can make him well agarn. lShe
leaues throwgh the main doors.]
PoroNrus ltaking Ophelia to a chairl: Ophelia, sit here. lgiuing her a
Bible] Read this. Hamlet will understand why you're alone.
Now I can hear him coming. lto Clawdiusf Let's hide, my Lord.
lPoloniws and Clawdiws hide behind the small door at the back of the
rlom. Hamlet comes in through the main doors.]
FIaurEr lto himselfl: To be, or not to be? That's the question. Is it
better to suffer bad luck in silence? Or is it better to fight it?
-When
Neither of them matter. we die, we sleep nothing
more. Sleep will end the heartache and the pain of life. It's
the best way to end our suffering. To die, to sleep, perhaps
-Who
to dream - ah, that's the problem. knows what terrible
dreams wait for us after death? Some of us are unhappy with
:T J il ; : "S; ff ffi :;i1'.1;:::
-We
ii: :*ilI tffi #l ::
No traveller ever returns. prefer to suffer the known
problems of life than to escape to the unknown problems of
death. But it's bad to think too much about this. We become
weak, and all our thoughts of action disapp ear. lHt notices
Ophelia.] But here's my fa:^r Ophelia! Beautiful child,
remember me when you speak to God.
Opnrrra: My good Lord, how are you today?
HaurEr lwith great politeness]: Very well, thank you.
Opnpua: I have more letters from you. I've wanted to return
them to you for a long time. lholding owt the lettersl Please take
them.
FIaurEr lshaking his headl:I never sent you any letters.
Opnnrtn lwnable to understandl: My Lord, you know very well that
they're yours. Please take them.
T6
FIaurEr: Are you an honest woman?
OpHErn: I don't understand.
H¿¡nrEr: An honest woman must forget that she's pretfy.
Prettiness can make an honest woman bad, but honesty cannot
make a pretfy woman good. In the past, I found that hard to
believe. Now I know that it's true. I was in love with you.
Opnpua: I believed you.
Heurnr: You were wrong to believe me. I didn't love you.
Opnnrn fsadlyl: Then I was wrong.
Flalvrrnr bortly]: Give your life to God. You mustn't mix with
men or be the mother of their children. Men lie. Believe none
of us. Give your life to God and work for the Church. lHt
hears a noise behind the small door and looks at Ophelia angrily.l
-Where's
your father?
OpnEua:At home, my Lord.
HamrEr langrilyl: Lock him in. Then no one will see how stupid
he is. Goodbye.
OpnErrt llffiing her hands to the sky and uyingl: Oh, help him, dear,
sweet F{eaven!
FIeurEr langrilyl: Go to a church! Go now! Or if you have to
Írtarcy, marry a stupid man. 'Wise men understand too well
how women can lie to them. To the church - go now!
Opsnrn: Please, God, make him well!
Ha¡nrpr: I've heard about the way that you women paint your
faces. God has given you one face,but you paint another face
on yourselves. You dance when you walk. You sing when you
speak. You want men to believe that you know nothing. I've
had enough of it. It's made me crazy. No more talk about
rnarriage. Join a churchl lHe leaues through the main doorsf
OpnEua: Oh, how can a great man fall so low? A prince, a
student, a soldier, the flower of his country, the mirror of
everyone's dreams all gone! FIe was so brave, clever and
beautiful. He was the most perfect of men. He filled my ears
17
 with the sweet music of his promises. But now he fills them
with the crazy words of a broken mind. Oh, why did this
terrible thing have to happen?
lClaudius and Poloniws come in through the small door.l
Crauuus: Love? I do not think so. F{is words were a bit wild,
but not completely üazy. F{is sadness sits on something secret
in his heart, in the same way that a bird sits on its eggs. I aÍÍi.
worried, because there is something dangerous inside those
eggs. I must do something quickly before they open. I shall
send him immediately to England. The journey and the
change of scene will help him. He will soon forget about his
problems and return a happy man.-What do you think?
PoToNIUS: A good idea. But I still believe that love is the reason
for his madness. lto Ophelial Are you all right, Ophelia? You
don't have to tell us what Lord Hamlet said. We heard it all. lto
Claudiwsf My Lord, with your permission, could the Queen
talk to her son in private after the play? She caít speak to him
honestly, and perhaps discover the true reason for his grief. I
will hide behind a curtain and listen to their conversation. If
she fails to discover the secret of his unhappiness, 1rou can send
him to England.
CraupIUS: I agree. It is dangerous when important people lose
their minds.'We must watch them carefully.
lThey leaue.l
Scene 2 Another large room in the castle
lThere is a stage at one end of the room facing ernpty chairs. Hamlet
and Horatio come in from dffirent sides of the stage.l
Ha¡wrEr lhappilyl: Horatio! I'm glad to see you.
Flonarro: My Lord.
1B
HelvrrEr: I have something to tell you. There's a play tonight in
front of the King. I've chosen one with a scene that shows
something very similar to my father's death. When the actors
ate doing that scene, watch my uncle carefully. If the Ghost
was honest, the wicked secret in my uncle's heart will show
on his face. I'll watch him carefully, too. After the pIay, we'll
compare judgements. But quick! They're comirg. I must seem
calm. Go to your place.
fTo the sound of mwsiq Clawdiws, Gertrwde, Polonius, Ophelía,
Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and mdny lords and ladies come in and
sit down around the stage.l
CraupIUS: FIow is everything, dear Flamlet?
Hanurnr: The food is good. I am eating the promise-filled air.
You cannot feed chickens with that.
CraupIUS: I understand nothing of your answer.
Ha¡wrpr [ro Ros encrantzf: Are the actors ready?
RosENCRANTZ: Yes, my Lord. They are waiting for permission to
begin.
GEnrnuDE: Come, Hamlet, sit next to me.
H,qMrEr: No thank you, Mother" I'd prefer to sit here. lH, sits
next to Ophelia.l lptayfwtty to Ophetial Lady, can I lie across
your knees?
Opnnua going redl: You are joking, my Lord.
lher face
-What
FlalvrrEr: in this company if he cart'tjoke?
caÍt a man do
Look at my mother. She's hrppy, and my father's only been
dead for two hours.
OpHnua: FIe died four months ago.
Flamrsr:As long ago as that? So I can put away my black clothes
and wear colour l suits agarn?
lMusic pla.ys.Two actors come onto the stage dressed as a king and
queen.l
19
Ftnsr Acron las the King]: lH, goes down on his knees next to the 'Kirg'.]
My love, I have to say goodbye The palace, the country and Queen will be mine
-With
And sail to foreigr lands. one drop of poison in his sleeping ear.
Don't be sad if I die. lH, pours the poison into the ear of the 'King'.f
Marry another man. Hamrnr lto Clawdiws]:You'11 see now how he wins the love of the
SpcoNo Acron las the Qween]: dead King's wife.
A second marriage? Oh, my dear,
Don't speak to me like this. lClawdiws stands up angrily. His body is shaking and his face is pale.l
I will never want to feel Ha¡nrnr fsmilingl: "What? Frightened by play?
A second husband's kiss! ^
GEnrnuDE lneruowsly to Clawdiwsf: What's the matter, my Lord?
Frnsr Acron las the King]: PoToNIUS lto the actorsf: Stop the play!
But stranger things have happened. CraupIUS: Give me some light. Away from here!
-When
a much-loved husband dies, PoroNrus lshoutingl: Lights! Lights! Lights!
A second love soon fills
A woman's heart and eyes. lEueryone leaues except Hamlet and Horatio.]
Now I'11 sleep here by the flowers.
SEcoNp Acron las the Queenl:
Flalrnrsr fexcitedlyl: Oh, good Florario, did you see?
Death will never kill a love like ours. Flonarto: I saw everything, my Lord.
F{aurnr: So the King doesn't enjoy plays. 'What a pify! floudly]
lThe 'Kíng' sleeps.The 'Qween'leaues the stage.l Come, let's have some music!
H¿urnr lto Gertrude]: How do you like the play? ir.]
lRosencrantz and Gwildenstern come
GEnrnuDE: I think that the lady makes too many promises.
FIa¡nrEr: Oh, but she'll keep them all. GUnoENSTERN: My Lord, the King . .
CrauulTs:-What is this play about? FIa¡nrEr lcoldly polite]: Yes, sir, what's the matter?
FIa¡nrEr: It's about the murder of a king in Vienna. It's a GuTToENSTERN: F{e's in his room and he's sick. The Queen's very
frightening story. But honest men like us have nothing to worried and has sent me to you.
worry about. Only people with wicked secrets in their hearts FIaurEr: \ficu're very welcome.
will feel afratd. V third actor clmes onto the stage with a small GUToENSTERN: No, sir. You don't understand. I need a sensible
bottle in his hand.lThis is Lucianus, the King's nephew. answer.
Truno Acron las Lwcianwsl: FIamrEr: Sir, I cannot give you a sensible answer because I'm ill
-What
The garden is empty, the bottle is full, in the head. But I'11 give you the best answer that I can.
No one can see, no one can hear. does my mother want?

20 21
RosENCRANTz: She wants to speak to you in her room before you l)orowIUS: Yes, very like a horse.
go to bed. lnirnrnr ltwrning go to my mother
I away from the window sadly]: I'11
FIan¿rEr: I will go. luery coldly) Do you have arry more business soon.
with me? l)oroNrus: I will tell her. lH, leauesl
RosENCRANTz: Why are you so unfriendly to us? You lock the lla¡nrnr [ro Ros encrantz and Gwildensternf: Leave me, friends.lThey
door on your own happiness if you cant't talk freely to your leaue.f Now is the darkest time of the night. The ground opens
friend. wide and Hell sends its sickness out into the world. I'm thirsly
FImnrEr: Sir, I see no future. for blood. I'm ready for the business that I have to do. Away,
RosExcRANrz:But you will be the next king of Denmark! now to my mother. But I must stay calm. The sharpness of
FIa¡nrEr: Yes, but while the grass grows, the hungry horse dies. knives will be in my words, not in my hands .lH, leaues.f
lAn actor comes in carrying some mwsical pipes.l Ah, pipes ! lto
the actorf Give one to me. lHt takes a pipe and offtnt it to Scene 3 Claudius's room
Gwildenstern ] Will you play on this for me?
GunnENSTERN: My Lord, I cannot. I don't know how to play. lln the room are a large bed, a table and a lot of other expensiue
FIamrEr: It's as easy as lying. Cover these holes with your fingers fwrniture. Claudius, Rosencrantz and Gwildenstern come in.f
and thumb, and send air through it from your mouth. You'll CraupIUS: You will go to England with a secret letter for the
hear the most beautiful music. King. You will sail tomorrow mornitrg, and take Flamlet with
GUnnENSTERN: But I don't have the skill. you. He is becoming more and more dangerous. My position
Fla¡vrrEr lswddenly angryl: But you have the skill to play me! Make as king is not
while he is here.
safe
the right moves and you'll discover the secret music of my -We
GunoENSTERN: will do it. A man must protect his king.
heart? Am I really easier to play than this pipe?You carr try,but CraupIUS: Prepare for your journey immediately.We have to end
you'll never get music from me! this danger quickly.
RospNcRANrz:We will hurry. lThey leaue.]
lPolonius comes in.f

Ha¡nrEr lsuddenly friendly]: Greerings, sir!

lPolonius comes in.l
PoroNrus: My Lord, the Queen would like to see you PoToNIUS: My Lord, he is going to his mother's room. I will listen
immediately. to them from behind a curtain. Then I will report their
Haursr llooking through a window at the sk[: Do you see rhat conversation to you before you go to bed.
cloud? It's shaped like a fish. Crauuus: Thank you, my dear Lord. lPolonius leaues.] Oh, my
PoroNIus llooking throwgh the window]: Yes, tt is like a fish. crime is wicked. It is the oldest and worst of crimes a
FIaurEr: I think it's a sheep. brother's murder. My hand is covered with my brother's blood.
PoroNrus: It has a back like a sheep. Isn't there rain enough in the sweet sky to wash it clean? I
Hannrnr: Or like a horse. want to speak to God, but what cara I say? 'Forgive me for my

22 23
 brother's murder'? I cart't say that. The murder has given me
my dreams, my country and my Queen. -With these things,
I can- bty everything except God's forgiveness. So what can I
do? How can I ask for forgiveness if I'm not really sorry? Oh,
my position is impossible! Help me, God! My heart's as hard
as stone and my knees refuse to touch the ground, but I must
try to speak to you. If I succeed, perhaps everything rnrill be all
right. lHt gles slowly down on his knees by his bed and pwts his ¡r.::.,, ,,."¡s&;,.'.: ,

hands together.]

lThe door opens qwietly and Hamlet comes in.l

FIa¡nrEr lquietly to himse$ wíth his hand on his swordl: I can easily
do it now, while he's talking to God. lHt rnoues quietly towards
Clawdiws, then stops.l But if I kill him no\M, he'll go straighr ro
Fleaven. I need to think about this. A wicked man murders my
father and I, his only son, send this same man to Fleaven? No,
that's not revenge. It will be better ro wait. I'11 kill him when
he's drunk too much. or when he's angry, or in bed with my
mother. I want this man to go to Flell, not Fleaven. I must be
patient. fquietly, looking at Clawdins] Your words to God have
saved you now, but you won't live much longer.lH, leaues.l
CraupIUS lstanding up sadly]: I speak the words, bur there is no
feeling in them.E*pcy words will never reach God's ears.

Scene 4 Certrude's bedroom

V, the room are ú large, beawtful bed, chairs, and a table with a
I
:j

li'
mirror aboue it. Large, thick cwrtains are hanging across the window. -{

t
1

Gertrude and Polonius come in.l

PoToNIUS: Do not try to be kind to him. You have prorected him

for too long. Tell him that his jokes must srop. I will say no
more - but please, do not be too soft with him.
FIa¡nrEr l-fno* outside the door]: Mother! Mother! 'U I kill him now, he'll go straight to Healten.'

24
GpnrnuDE: There he is. I will do what you say. Now you musr llnn¿t.ET: Yes, that's what I said. lH, goes down on one knee and
hide. uncluers Polonius's face.) lsadlfl You silly man, what were you
cloing here? I thought you were the King. lstanding wp slowly,
lPoloniws hides behind one of the cwrtains. Gertrwde sits down and
looking down at the bodyl But your death is your mistake.
Hamlet comes in.]
You were listening to other people's conversations. That's a
FIaurEr: Now, Mother, what's the matter? dangerous game. ltwrning to Gertrwde] Stop crying and sit
GEnrnuDE: Hamlet, your father's very arrgry with you. clown. Save your grief for your real crime. Listen to your heart,
FIaurEr: Mother, my father's very arrgry with you. if it's not already as hard as stone.
GpnrnuDE: Why are you so rude? ( lrinrnuDE:-What have I done wrong?'Why are you so unkind to
F{¿ryrmr:-Why are you so wicked? me?
GEnrnuDE:-What's the matter? Have you forgotten who I am? llnurpr: Your wicked act has made a lie of everything good.
F{a¡vtrpr: Of course not! You're the Queen, your husband's lt's made the beautiful words of a wedding promise as ugly as
brother's wife. And - poor me! - you're my mother. the bad language of a drinker. It's taken the heart out of a
Gnnrnupn lstanding up angrily]: I cart't speak to you when you're marriage. It's turned sweet religion into a meaningless list of
like this. words. F{eaven's face turns away with grief, and the Earth's is
Ha¡nrst: No, sit down. lHt angrily pushes her down into her chair,l red with sickness at your act.
-What
You're not leaving until I've shown you the wickedness of ( ]nnrnuDE: act are you talking about?
your heart. l-{elrnrnr lshowing her the small pictwre of his father arownd his neck]:
GEnrnuDE ffrightenedl:"What are you going to do? Are you going Look at this man, standing bravely like a god. This was your
to murder me? lshoutingf Help! husband - a real man! lshowing her the small pictwre of Claudiws
PoToNIUS [-fro* behínd the curtain]: Murder? Help! arownd her neck] Compare that man with this one. Your new
F{a¡nrpr ltaking out his sword and looking at the curtainl: Ah! The husband is like a dying plant, poisonitg the memory of his
real criminal! Revenge at last! perfect brother with his smell. Can't you see?"What judgement
has taken you from this lpointing to the pictwre of his father] to
lHt pushes the sword through the curtain and kills Polonius. Polonius
this lpointing to the pictwre of Clawdiwsf?-What has robbed you
falls to the floor with the curtain ouer his face,l of your senses? Oh, crime, where is your punishment? If
GsnrnupE lputting her hands to her face and cryingl: Oh, no! -What judgement is as weak as this in a sensible woman's heart, what
have you done? hope is there of goodness in the world?
FIa¡vnEr: I don't know.
Is it the King? GpnrnupE lcryingl: Oh, Flamlet, that's enough. You've turned my
GrnrnuoE langrilyl: Oh, what a wicked, stupid act! eyes into my own heart. Nothing carr wash away the darkness
Fl¿lvtrsr: Yes, a wicked act. Almost as bad, dear Mother, as that I see.
rrrarryirg your husband's murderer. F{emrnr: But still you sleep in a dirry bed. You make love in
GEnrnuDE: My husband's murderer? sheets that smell of pigs.

26 27
GpnrnuDE lholding his arm]: Stop it, sweet Hamlet! These words
are like knives in my ears.
H¿mrpr lpushing her awayl: A nurderer and a thief, A man who
stole the circle of gold from my father's head.
GEnrnuDE lcryingl : Stop!
Haurnr: A king with blood-covered clothes . lThe ghost of
Hamlet\ father comes in and sits down in an empty chair.] llooking at
the Ghosfl Save me and protect me, you heavenly guards!
GpnrnuDE lto herse$ unable to see the Chostl: Oh, no. FIe's really
mad.
Fla¡vrrEr lto the Ghostl: Do not be angry with your son.
remembers his promise to you.
Gnosr: Do not forget: be kind to your mother. She does not
understand what is happening. Speak softly to her.
F{a¡rrEr lsoftly to Gertrwde]: How are you feeling, ffiy Lady?
GpnrnuDE fworriedl: FJ.ow are you feeling? Your eyes are wild and
your hair's standing up on end. Oh, sweet son, be less angry
and more patient. Tell me, what cart you see?
FIaurEr lpointing at the Ghost]: Do you see nothing there?
GEnrnuDE: Nothirg at aII.
Ha¡nrEr: Do you hear nothing either?
GEnrnuDE: No, nothing.
lThe Ghost stands up and starts to leaue,l
FIa¡nrEr: Look, it's leaving. My father,in his everyday clothes.
lThe Ghost leaues.]
GEnrnuDE: You're imaginirg it. Dreams seem real when your
mind is sick.
HmnrEr: Sick? My mind and body are as healthy as yours.lholding
his mother's handl I'm not mad. If you believe that, you're lying
to yourself. Don't turn your eyes away from the darkness
28
inside you, or it will eat your heart. If you say sorry for your
past mistakes, goodnesswill return to all our lives.
( ,rirrtnuDE:Oh, Hamlet, you've cut my heart in two.
I Innnrpr: Throw away the bad half, and live with the good, clean
tralf. Don't go to my uncle's bed. Fle'll soon accept that he
must spend his nights without you. I'11 kiss you as your son
when you've asked God for forgiveness . llooking at Polonius's
bodyl And I'11 ask God's forgiveness for this. This accident is
Fleaven's way of punishing me. I'11 take him away and think of
art excuse for his death. llooking at Gertrwde] You know I have
He srill to go to England?
( ipnrnuDE: It's decided?
I{avrrEr: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are going with me, and
they have art unopened letter with the King's secret orders.
They're working with the King against me, but I'11 discover
their secret. Then I'11 destroy them all together. llooking down
at Poloniws\ bodyl Now, I'11 take this body into the next room.
In life, this silly man spoke so many empfy words. In death,
he looks so quiet and serious. ltaking Polonius by the legsl
Come, sir, our conversations are finished. Goodnight, Mother.
lHamlet pwlls Poloniws away. Gertrwdefollows him out of the room.l
Act 4 'Wicked Plans
Scene 1 Claudiws's room
lClaudiws and Gertrwde colne in.l
CraupIUS: You look unhappy. How's your son?
-While
GsnrnunE: As mad as a storm at sea. he was shouting at
'Without
me, he heard noise from behind the curtain.
^
thinking, he took out his sword. Then he killed good
Polonius.
29
 CraupIUS langrilfl: A terrible crime! But of course, he thought
that he was killing me.I have been too kind to him. Because I
tried to hide his madness, a good man has lost his life. 'Where
is Flamlet now?
GEnrnuDE: FIe is taking away the body. But even in his madness,
there is still some good in him. FIe is very sorry about
Polonius's death.
CraupIUS: I shall send him away before the sun comes up.lcattingl
Guildenstern! [Ros encrantz and Gwildenstern come in.] Good
friends, Flamlet has killed Polonius and is rrying to hide the
body. Find him immediately, and take the body inro the
church. [Ros encrantz and Gwildenstern hwrry away.l Come,
Gertrude, we shall call our wisest friends and tell them the
terrible news. But we must be careful how we tell them. -W-e
don't want arry punishment to fall on us. Come quicklyl
lClawdius and Gertrwde leaue.l
Scene 2 The castle staírs
lHamlet comes down the stairs. Ros encrantz and Gwildenstern meet
him at the bottom.l
RosENCRANTz:-What have you done with the body, my Lord?
Flalurrpr lcoldlyl: FIow does a king's son reply when he's
questioned by dog?
^ FI¿¡nrEr: To England? Good. lturning awary and laughing wildly]
RosENCRANtz: Are you calling me a dog, my Lord?
FlaNlrpr: Yes, because you accept the King's smiles and gifts, and
follow all his orders.
RosENCRANtz:I don't understand you, my Lord.
FIa¡nrEr: Good. Clever words mean nothirg to a stupid ear.
RosENCRANTz: My Lord, you must tell us where the body is.
HeurEr: You'll have to catch me first!
lHamlet rwns away. Rosencrantz and Gwildenstern hwrry oftt, him.l
30
Scene 3 Claudius's room
lClaudius is in the room with two or three seruants. Rosencrantz and
Gwildenstern come in.l
( .leuorus:'What news?
l{osrNcRANrz:He will not tell us where the body is.
( lreupIUS: But where ts he?
waititg outside, ffiy Lord, under guard.
l{osENCRANTz:He is
(lrauuus lshoutingl: Bring him in! lsoldiers bring Hamlet in.l
Now Hamlet, where's Polonius?
l-IannrEr:At supper.
CraupIUS langrily): At supper?'Where?
Ha¡nrnr: He isn't eating.'Worms are eating him.
"W.orms
have the
best food in the world. The fat king with his country and
the thin man with no job are just different dishes in the same
meal.-We all feed worms in the end.
CrauoIUS langrily):'Where is Polonius?
HaurEr lsmiling coldly]: In Fleaven. Send a messenger to find
him. If he isn't there, you can look for him in Flell. Or, if
you wait for a month, you'll smell him somewhere rtear the
stairs.
Crauprus lto the soldiers): Look for him there. lThe soldiers leaue.]
Flamlet, I must send you away immediately. The ship is ready.
Your friends are waiting to take you to England.
Away to England! lto Claudius] Goodbye, dear Mother.
CraupIUS fcoldlyl: Your loving father, Hamlet.
HaurEr: Father and mother are man and wife. They are one
they are the same. And so, Mother, goodbye! lHt leaues.]
Creuorus fneruously to Rosencrantz and Gwildenstern]: Follow him
on foot. I want him away tonight. Hurry! [Ros encrantz and
Guildenstern leaue.) lto himself] Soon I want to hear news of
Flamlet's death. Until then I cannot be hrppy. lHt leaues.f
31
 Scene 4 The same large rlorn as in act 2 scene 2 ( I lto Gertrude]: How long has she been like this?
^uDrus
( )r,¡ELIA ltawghing and dancing witdlyl:I carlt stop crying when I
lGertrwde is with Horatio. Opheliú comes in. Her eyes are wild and
she is smíling like a madwornan.l rhink of him in the cold ground. My brother will hear of this-
So thank you for your kind words. Bring me my horse! Good
GEnrnuDE: 'What's the matter, Ophelia?
rright, Ladies, goodnight. lShe dances owt of the room'l
Opnurm lsingingl: ( , r nuprus Horatiof: Follow her and watch her carefully-
lto
FIe is dead and gone, Lady.
lHoratio This is the poison of deep grief. It all comes
leaues.]
FIe is dead and gone. from her father's death. Oh, Gertrude, one sadness quickly
At his head a piece of grass, follows anorher. First her father is killed, then your son is
At his feet, a stone. gone. People are talking because we put Polonius into his
GEnrnuDE bortM: Oh, Ophelia .
grave so quickly and secretly. Now poor Ophelia has lost her
Opnune fsingingl: FIis face as white as mountain snow - mind and her brother has returned from France. This is worse
lClawdiws comes in throwgh the small door.l
than a thousand deaths.

GEnrnuDE lqwietly to Clawdiwsf: Listen to this, my Lord. owtside']

lThere is a loud noise of showting and fighting
Opnnrrn lsingingl: -Where
' FIis body cold as ice. Crauprus fneruowstry]: are my guards? They must stand by
.What's
the door! lA messenger arriues.l the matter?
There are no flowers on his grave
Or tears in people's eyes. MsssENGER: Save yourself, my Lord. An angty crowd has broken
Crauuus lsmiling sweetlyl: How are you, ilv preffy Lady? through the castle gates and is comirg this way.Laertes is r,vith
opnnrra:-We know what we are. Not what we can become. them, and they want him to be king!
Crauorus lto Gertrude]: She's talking abour her father. main doors lpen
Opnsrra fsingingl: lThere is a lowder noise offighting and showting.The
swddenty and Laertes runs in with his followers.]
Tomorrow is the d^y of love.
The sky is shinirg blue. 'Where's the King?
LaEnrEs fangrily, sword in handl. ll\oticing the
I'm standing at my window, King and Qween alone, he twrns to his followers.l Wait outside, all
Dreamirg,Love, of you. of you. And guard the door. lHis followers leaue. Laertes walks
Crauprus luery surprised and worriedl: prery ophelia! towards the King and points his sword at his neck.) Give me my
Opnnrn flawghing, dancing and singing wildtfl: father!
'Why will you not rnarcy me?' Crauorus lprowd bwt neruows): Stay calm, good Laertes. Tell me,
the pretfy young girl said. what is the reason for all this? Why are you so angry?
'There's no need,'the boy replied.
LaEnrEs: Where is mY father?
'You're already in my bed!'
CraupIUS: Dead.

32 33
 LaEnrEs: How did it happen? Don,r play games with me. You're H L
the King, but I'm not afratd of you. It doesn't matter what
happens to me in this world or the next. But I will have ,ffi
ffittr
6. : ü F:.,\

revenge for my father!

!"{"f#
**K
CraupIUS: Good Laertes, in your revenge for your father's death,
will you atack both his friends and enemies? t
:--;,", { {
LaEnrEs: Only his enemies. fi-'' \ '1

CrauoIUS lsmiling and pwshing the sword away tH

-fno* his neckf: Now
you speak like a good son and an honest man. My heart is
filled with grief at your father's dearh. I did nor kill him.

lrhe small door opens and ophelia comes in. Her clothes are dirty,
her hair is untidy. she walks slowly arownd the room, not
looking at
anyone. She is talking quietly to herselfl

LernrEs lrealising that his sister is mad): Someone's going to pay

for this! lgoing to ophetia and speaking sortlyl Kind sisrer, sweer
ophelia! Is it possible for a young girl's mind to die as easily as
:f.
an old man's body?
opnnua lsingingl: There were no flowers on his grave,
But tears fell down like rain.
lsmiling like a chíld, holding owt her hand to Laertes] Here's a
,ll

.,1
,1
flower for memory, and here's a flower for thought. A flower
of sadness for you, and another one for me. I wanted to give
you a flower of love. Bur it died when my father died.
LaEnrEs: FIer meaningless words shine like stars in the
darkness of
F{ell.
J
s

OpnEua ldancing away and singing]: jil

J
-Will
he not come back again?
No, no, he will never come again .lshe leaues.l
LaEnrEs lshowting to Clawdius]:Did you see rhar? Oh,
Godl
CrauoIUS fcalmlyl: Laertes, I understand your grief, but I
am not
your father's murderer. If you can prove me wrong, I will
give
you everything, even my life.
'sorneone's going to PaY for this!'

31
 LapnrEs: If you
are not his murderer,who ,s?-Why was his death him very much. She is important to me, and I do not want to
so secret?-Why are there no flowers on his grave? I will not 6urr her. Second, he is very popular with the ordinary people
rest
until I have found the answer to these questions. in this country.Fle cart do nothing wrong in their eyes, so I
Crnuuus: And I will help you to find them. Then you will have cannot openly Punish him.
my permission to bring your sword down on his murderer's I nnnrEs: Death has taken my dear,good father, and madness has
head. Please, come with me. taken my perfect sister. But my revenge will cofne'
(,t.eupIUS: Do not worry about that. I have made plans, and you
lThey leaue.l
will soon hear more. I loved your father as I love myself. lA
ntessenger arriues with letters.l But what flews is this?
Scene 5 Insíde the castle gates
MsssEr{cER: Letters, my Lord, from Flamlet. These ate for you,
lIt is a cold, grey afternoon. Horatio is dressed war*ly, walking in the and this one is for the Queen.
snow" A sailor comes ir.l ( lrnuprus langry and surprísedl: From Flamlet? Who brought

Sanon: I for you, sir. It is from a man who was

have a letter them?
sailing to England.If your name is F{orario, it is for you. MnsspNGER: A sailol-, my Lord, but I did nothim.
see

Flonarto ltakíng the letter and readingf: Horatio, robbers attacked us at greuprus ltat<ing the letters]: Laertes, you c^Ít hear them. lto the
sea two dryt out of Denmark. Dwring the rnessenger] Leave us. IThe nxessenger leaues. Clawdíus reads the first
fight, I climbed onto the
ship and became their prisoner. Theyfreed rne in retwrnfor my
robbers' letter.f I an4 conting back to Denrnark. Wry soon, I shall request
promise of help. This rnan has letters permission to speak, to you. Then I shall explain the reasons for
the King. Aftey he has giuen
for
them to him,l'te will bring you to rne. Hrury! n4y swdden and eyen stranger return. Hamlet. flooking neruously at
I haue newsfor you that "What
you will not belieue, Hamlet. lto the saílorlTake your le6ers Laertesl does this mean?
ro rhe
King. Then take me immediately to the man who gave them LeEnrEs: I do not know. But I am glad he has returned. I want to
to you. call him'murderer' to his face-
Creuprus: I have arl idea that will give you your revenge. Wb c^n
lThey leaue.f
punish him rn way that will look like an accident. Even his
^
mother will not know what we have planned.
Scene 6 Claudiws,s troom Larnrgs linterestedl. I want to be the one who punishes him.
'While you were away in France, reports
lclawdiws and Laertes are sitting at the table.l
Creuuus: Perfect!
reached this counrry of your wonderful sword-fighting skills.
Creuorus: You have listened intelligently to the ñcts. Now you -When
F{amlet heard these reports, he felt angry. FIe hoped for
must think of me as your friend. your father,s murderer really your sudden return. FIe wanted to test his skill with a sword
wanred to kill rne. -What
against yours. Now FIamlet is going to return. would
LaEnrEs:But why haven't you punished him? yotl most like to do to him?
CreupIUS: For two reasons. First, the Lapnrns langrity]: Cut his neck open in the church!
Queen, his rnother, loves

36 37
 CraupIUS: No not even a church, carT protect a murderer
place, Act 5 Final Acts of Revenge
from his punishment. But, good Laertes, listen to me. Stay
awalr from Hamlet when he first arrtves. I will send people Scene A snowy fietd of graues at night, with trees all arownd
to 1
talk to him about your skill with the sword. FIe will become
lA man is singing and working in a graue. Hamlet and Horatio watch
excited and want to fight you. Before the fight, you car._
secretly take the protector off your sword. Then you can take the man qwietly _fro* the trees for 6 minwte. Then Harnlet walks
towards the man.l
revenge on him for the death of your father.
LeEnrEs: I will do it. And I have some poison that I car_ put [-la¡nrnr: FIow long have you worked here?
on
the end of my sword. I only have to touch him with it and he WonriuaN: For thirty years. I started on the same d^y that young
will die. Flamlet was born. The mad prince the one they sent to
CraupIUS: If our plan fails, I
have another idea. FIe will become England.
hot and thirsty during a long, hard fight. I will pur some HamrEr linterestedl: And why was he sent to England?
poison rn a drink and offer it to him. WonrMAN: Because they're all as mad as he is over there.
-What lThe door opens.l euietl
is that noise. lGertrwde clmes in, looking pale. Clawdius HaurEr lgoing down 0n one knee next to the grau\. FIow long will
stands up.l-What is it, my sweer a fÍIaf: lie in the earth before the worms eat him?
eueen?
GEnrnuDE: Oh, there's too much sadness. Your sister is dead, WonrMAN: Some people last longer than others .lH, giues Hamlet
Laertes. a skwlL ] This one, for example, has been here for twenfy-three
Lasnrps lstanding up and shakingl: Dead? where? years.
GEnrnuDE: She was sitting in a tree by stream, making circles "Whose
of Haivtrpr: was it?
dead flowers for her hair. Suddenly, ^
she fell. She I^y on her WonrMAN: It belonged toYorick, the King's joker.
back in the i.y water, singing to herself. Then, slowly, the H¿¡,nrnr fqwietty]: Can I see it? lH, takes the skwll and looks into íts
weight of the water in her clothes pulled her down and she
- empty eyes.l PoorYorick. I knew him - a very funny man. F{e
died. carried me on his back a thousand times. Now where is the
Lapnrps lquietly to Clawdiusf: Goodbye, my Lord. I have words face that I kissed so often?'Where are the jokes that everybody
of fire to speak. But first I have a thousand tears to cry.
lH, laughed at? Show yourself to my Lady,, the Queen, now. It
leaues.l doesn't matter how brightly she colours her face.In the end,
CraupIUS: Let's follow him, Gertrud.e. I calmed him, but this she will look the same as you . lThere are noises, coming closer.
will make him angry agarn. I don't want him to do anything Hamlet looks up] But quiet. Someone's coming. lClawdius,
silly. Gertrwde, Laertes, a churchman and sorne lords arriue utith the body

leaue.f
of Ophelia. Hamlet returns the skwll to the grownd, stands up and
fThey
moues qwickly back to the trees.) lqwietly to Horatiof F{ere come
the King and Queen.-Who are they carrying so quietly to the
grave? Let's hide in the shadows and watch-

3B 39
 LaEnrps: Put her in the earth, so flowers can grow from her Scene 2 The same large rlorn as in act 1 scene 1

beautiful young body.

Haurnr lqwíetly to Horatio]:
-what!
The farc ophelia? lHamlet and Horatio come ir.l
llnurEr: One night on the ship, I went to Rosencrantz and
lophelia\ body is lowered carefwtly into her graue.l
Guildensrern's room. lhotding up a lettefl I found this letter
GrnrnuDE: Sweet Lady, goodbye. lShe drops from the King and brought it back to my room. In it, he gave
flowers into the graue.l
I wanted to put flowers on your wedding bed, not your grave. orders for rry death!
LaEnrEs lwild with griefl: Death to the man whose wicked act I lonArto lwnable to belieue itf: Is it possible?
took away yotrr mind! Flold back the earth unril I have kissed I {a¡nrpr lgiuing him the letterf:You can read it. But before you do,
-With
her one last time. [Ht jwmps into the graue and kisses Ophetia.l hear the rest of my story. enemies all around me, I had
Now build a mountain of earth above her that will touch the to act fast. I wrote another letter in the King's hanclwriting
sky. and returned it to Rosen crantz and Guildenstern'.s room.
Halvrrnr lwalking owt of the trees]: 'Who is this whose grief brings In rt, I asked the King of Engl and to put the messengers to
pity even to the eyes of Heaven? sudden death. The next d^y, we were attacked by robbers.
LaEnrEs lclimbing out of the graue and runníng at Hamletl: I'll You know how the storY ends-
send
you to Flell! lH, puts his hands around Hamlet\ neck.l Honauo: So Rosencrantz and Guildenstern went to their death?
Flamrpr langrily defending hímsetfl: Take your hands off me! He¡nrnr: I don'r feel bad about it. They were destroyed by their
Creuorus lpwlling Laertes awayl: Stop! own dishonesfy.
-What
GEnrnuDE lpulling Hamlet away]: Hamlet! Flamlet! Honarro langritfl: kind of king is your uncle?
HonArro lholding Hamlet's arm] My Lord, calm down. H¿urEr: FIe killed my father and sleeps with my mother. FIe's
'
Flaursr lshowting angrilyl: I loved Ophelia too! Forcy thousand destroyed rry happiness and has tried to take my life. Now he
brothers could not love her as much as I didl has to pay for his crimes.
CrauoIUS lholding Laertes by the arm]: He is crazy,Laertes. Honarro: There isn't much time. He'll sootl hear the news from
GEnrnuDE lto Laertesl: For the love of God, do nor fight him. This England.
is madness, but it will soon pass. Hamrpr: I don't need much tirne. A man's life is no more than
FIaurEt lto Laertesl:You are unfau to me, sir. Ifyou act like a dog, one touch with a sword. But I'm very sorry about Laertes.
I can act like one, too! FIis grief is similar to mine. I'11 try to be friends with him
Crauuus lto Horatiof: Please, FIoratio, take him away. ag rn.
lHamlet
and Horatio leaue. Claudius turns and speal<s quietly to Laertes.l
lOsric comes in and takes off his hat.]
Remember our conversation last night. Be patient.
lto eueryonel
Do not worry.'we shall all soon be safe from danger. Osruc lto Hamler]: My Lord, I have a message for you from the
King. Laertes has just arrived at court. FIe is a perfect man.
lThey leaue.) Everybody likes him, and he is excellent with the sword-

40 4T
 Ha¡nrEr: You describe him very well. But what's the
reason for ( ,r.aupIUS lloudly]: Begin.
your wonderful description of him?
Osnrc: The King invites you to a friendly swordfighr lHamlet and Laertes rt7fu. Hamlet towches Laertes with his sword.f
with
Laerres- \Yill you accepr the invitation?
I le¡nrpr: One hit!
FLqMrEr:And if I say no?
l.nEnrps: No!
Osruc fsurprisedl:My Lord, what will people think if
you refuse? I {aurnr lto Osrifl: Your judgement?
Ha¡wrpr lsmilingl: This is a good time of day for exercise.
Telt the ( )sruc: A hit - a very clear hit.
King rhar I'm ready.
Lennrns lpointing his sword at Hamlet]:Again.
osruc: I am your servant, my Lord.
lH, leaues.f (lrauorus: One minute! Give me a cup of wine. lA seruant giues
HonArro lworriedl:you'll lose this fight, my Lord.
Fla:rnrEr: I don't think so.-While Laertes was in
him a cup. Claudius secretly pwts poison in the cup, then holds it
France, I did a lot up] Flamlet, here's to your health . lto a seruant] Give him the
of practice. lqwietly) But I have abadfeeling in my
heart about cup-
all this.
HalrnrEr: I'11 drink it later. lto Laertesl Come. lThey rt7fu again.
FIonArro: If your heart isn't hrppy, lisren to it. I'11 -What
tell the King Hamlet towches Laertes with his sword.] Another hit! do you
that you're not well.
say?
F{a¡'nrEr fprowdly]: Impossible! I refuse ro listen ro the voice of Lannrps: FIe touched me, I agree.
fear.
CrnuoIUS lto Gertrude]: Our son will win.
lMwsic plays. Seruants come in and prepare a table with cups of wine, GrnrnuDE ltaking the cwp _foo* Clawdius and smiling at Hamletf: The
Of,cers come in carryíng swords and kniues. Claudíus, Gertrude, Queen drinks to your good luck, Hamlet. lshe hrtt the cup to
Laertes, Osric and other lords, and seruants come in.l her mouth.]
fficers
CrauoIUS lneruouslry]: Gertrude, don't drink.
Fl¿¡nrpr fuualking towards Laertes and shaking his handl: Gpnrnuon: I will, my Lord. Forgive me. lShe drinkq and walks
I,m sorry,
sir, for the bad things that I've done. But believe towards Hamlet with the cwp.l
me, they were
not planned. It was the illness in my mind that did these Crauorus lqwietly to himselfl: It is the poisoned cup. It is too late.
things' It was not me. I'm not your enemy, but this Hamrpr lto Gertrwde]: Not yet. I'11 drink it later.
madness is
mine. So please, sir, forgive Flamlet for his crimes. GnnrnuoE ltaking a white cloth _foo* her beltf: Then I shall dty your
LaEnrps fseriousl7]: As a ÍÍraÍ\,
I forgive you. But as a son and a face.
brother,I can't. I must defend the good name of my family. LaEnrEs lsecretly pwtting poison on his sword and twrning quietly to
Haurrr: I understand. Now I'11 gladly resr your skill with Clawdiwsl: My Lord, I'11 hit him now. But my heart tells me
the
sword. fro osric] Give us the swords. Flurry! that this is wrong.
F{aurnr lpointing his at Laertesf: Let's fight for the third
sword
lOsric takes a number of swords from the fficers. Hamlet and Laertes
time, Laertes. This time, do your best. lrwdelylYou're fighting
choose their swords and prepare to
fight.l like a child.

12
13
 Lennrps lpointing hís sword angrily at Harnlet]: Is rhar what you
think? Let's see!

lThey rt?fu angríly for a long time. Finally, Laertes cwts Harnlet with
his sword. They continwe Jighting. Laertes drops his sword. Hamlet
throws his sword to Laertes and picks up Laertes's sword. The
_fiSht
continwes and Hamlet u¿ts Laertes. Suddenly, Gertrude
fatts to the
floor.l
Fl¿urpr lrwnning to Gertrwde]: F{ow's the eueen?
craucrus fneruouslyl: The excitement has made her ill.
GEnrnuDE lto Hamletl: No, ro, the drink, the drink! oh, my dear
Hamlet, I am poisoned! lshe dies.l
F{e¡nrnr lshouting angrílyl: Oh, wicked crime! Lock the doors.
Find the murderer!
son

Lepnrns lpointing weakly to the sword in Hantlet's handl. It's here,

Flamlet" Flamlet, you're dead. No medicine in the world caf.
f
{i
fi
save you- lHt ! tr .i:,:

-follt to the floon] You have less than half an hour

ti:t;'

to live- There's poison on the sword in your hand , and with it

you've also killed me. Look, here I lie, and will never ger up I.r
.I ;I

agal:n" Your rnother's poisoned, too. The King's the murderer.

FIeurEr llooking at the sword in hís handl: The sword is poisoned?
Then, poison, do your work. LHt runs at Clawdius and pushes the
sword into him.l
EvEnyBoDy: Murder! Murder!
CraupIUS lin pain]: You ca:n still defend me, friends. I am only
hurt.
HmnrEr lpwshing the cup of poisoned wine to CtaudiLts¡ srouth]:
Flere, you wicked, murdering Dane. Drink this wine!
lclaudiws drinks.l Follow my morher! lctawdíus dies.f
LepnrEs: The punishment is good. FIe's killed by his own
poison . lweakly holding owt his hand to Hamletf Flamlet, forgive
me. You're not my father's murderer or mine. And I'm not
yours. 'I atn poisoned!'

41
 lHamlet takes Laertes's hand. Laertes dies.] Fon¡NBRAS: Four officers will carry F{amlet's body away. This
country has lost a great man and a wonderful future king.
Flaumr lto Laertesl: I'll follow you to Fleaven soo n. lHe
-fottt to the Soldiers' music will play for him as he travels to the next
floor and turns to Horatio] I'm dead, Floratio. Bur you srill live.
world. lto his fficers] Táke awry the bodies. This room looks
Flonarto Ufting the cup of poisoned wine to his mowth]. I'm nor
like a field of war. Go, tell the soldiers to shoot their guns.
afratd of death. There's still some wine in this cup.
FIalvrrnr langrily bwt weoklyl: Give me the cup. Drop it. If you love lEuerybody leayes. Officers carry the bodies away.There is
a short
me, Floratio, don't go to Fleaven yet. Stay in this heartless silence, and then the sound of big guns comes rto* the castle walls.l
world long enough to tell my story. lshouts come
-What -fro* owtside.l
warlike noise is that?
Osruc: Young Fortinbras won his war in Poland and has
returned. llooking out of the windowf FIe is welcomirg the
messenger from the King of England.
FIa¡urEr lweakly]: Oh, I'm dying, Horatio! The poison is roo
strong. I can't live to hear the news from England. But I
believe that Fortinbras will make an excellent king of
Denmark- Tell him the reasons for all this. The resr is silence.
lH, dies.l
Honarro:A brave heart has broken. Goodnight, sweet Prince.

lThe doors open. Fortinbras, his soldiers and the King of England\
messenger corne in.l

FonrwBRAS llooking at the four dead bodies): 'What has happened?

Oh, proud Death,why have you taken so many princes at the
same time to their graves?
MEssENcpn: I have come from England too late with our news.
The King's request was answered Rosen üantz and
Guildenstern are dead. But who will thank us now?
Honanlo llooking at Clawdius's body]: Not him. FIe never gave the
orders for their death. lto Fortinbrasf But now you are here
from your Polish wars, I will tell you a sad story of broken
dreams, wicked murder and accidental death. This is how it
ends .lpointing to Hamlet, Laertes, Clawdiws and Gertrude]

46 17
 ACTIVITIES While you read
S Who are these people? Draw a line to one of the descriptions on
Act 1 the right.
Before you read a Claudius Hamlet's friend
1 Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Work with b Fortinbras Laertes's sister
another student. c Polonius Hamlet's mother
a What other Shakespeare plays do you know? Make a list. d Laertes Hamlet's uncle
b What are those plays about? Are they amusing or sad? Write e Gertrude the King of Norway's nephew
one or two sentences about each play. f Horatio the King of Denmark's friend
c Compare your list with the lists of other students. Add plays that g Ophelia Polonius's son
are not on your list.
2 Look at the word List at the back of the book. After you read

a Which words describe: 6 Choose the correct answer.

o people? a The King of NorwaY

o parts of a play?
o wants to attack Denmark.
o things that are found in the ground?
o lost land to Hamlet's father.
o things that can kill?
o disagrees with his nephew's plans'

b Choose two other words from the list and use them b Hamlet thinks that his mother
in
sentences.
o did not reallY love his father.
3 Read the lntroduction to the play and answer these questions.
o does not reallY love him.
a ln which country do the people in the play live? o knows about the murder of his father.

b Who is Hamlet's main enemy? c Polonius

c which of these words does not describe Hamlet? owants his son to go to France.
honest ordinary perfect owants his daughter to become the next queen.
thoughtf ul brave
odoes not want his daughter to get into trouble.
d which of these words does not describe the play?
sad famous serious simple d The Ghost wants Hamlet to
special
e When did the real Hamlet live? o punish the King.
t How many plays did Shakespeare write before he wrote . punish the Queen.
Hamlet? o punish the King and the Queen.
g When was Hamlef written? T Work with another student. Discuss these questions. What do you
4 Act 1 is called 'The Ghost on the Castle Wall'. The Ghost is the think?
ghost of Hamlet's father. How do you think Hamlet will feel when a Does Claudius really love Gertrude?
he sees the ghost? What will he do? b Why did Gertrude agree to marry Claudius?
c ls Hamlet right to feel angry with his mother?
d Why does Claudius really want Hamlet to stay in Denmark?

1B 49
Act 2
Before you read
I Discuss these questions with another student. What do you think?
a w¡ll Hamlet take his revenge immediately? why (not)?
b what will happen between Hamlet and ophelia? why?
While you read
I Put these in the order they happen. Number them 1-6.
a Hamlet meets his old friends
b Actors arrive at the castle
c Ophelia is worried about Hamlet
d Hamlet talks to Polonius.
e There is good news from Norway
f Hamlet thinks of a plan
After you read
10 Are these
sentences right or wrong? Correct the ones that are
wrong.
a Hamlet has gone mad because Ophelia refuses to see him.
b Claudius plans a meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia.
c Claudius invites Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to the casile.
d Ophelia has given all Hamlet's letters to her father.
e Claudius and Gertrude believe that Polonius is right about
Hamlet's madness.
f Hamlet tells Rosencranlz and Guildenstern that he is bored with
life.
g Hamlet tells his friends about the Ghost.
h Hamlet is sure that his uncle is a murderer.
i Hamlet is going to choose a play for the actors.
11 Discuss these questions with another student. What do you think?
a How do these people really feel about Hamlet?
Polonius Ophelia Rosenc ranlz and Guildenstern
Gertrude Claudius
b why hasn't Hamlet taken revenge on craudius yet?
50
Act 3
Before you read
12 Discuss these questions with another student.
a What is Hamlet's plan? How dangerous is it? Will it work?
b What will happen when Hamlet meets Ophelia again?
While you read
13 Circle the correct word.
a Hamlet decides that it is better to live I die.
b Hamlet tells Ophelia to marry a clever I stupid man-
c Claudi us believes I does not believe that Hamlet is mad'
d claudius is afraid of I angry with Hamlet.
e Hamlet is honest I dishonest with Horatio.
f Rosenc ranlz and Guldenstern are I are not spying on Hamlet.
g Claudius feels I does not feelproud of himself.
h Gertrud e knows I does not know claudius's secret.
i Gertrude can I cannof see the Ghost.
j Hamlet thinks that Ctaudius I Potonius is behind the curtain'
After you read
14 Work with another student. lmagine that you are Gertrude and
Claudius. Have this conversation.
Student A: You are Claudius. You want to send Hamlet away.
Explain whY.
Student B. you are Gertrude. You want Hamlet to stay. Explain
why.
15 put these words in the correct places in the sentences below- Use
each word onlY once.
after because before but during if so
until when while
a Hamlet is happy ... he hears about the actors.
b '.. . you have to marry, marry a stupid man,' Hamlet says'
c Claudius thinks that Hamlet is wild not mad.
d Ophelia's face turns red Hamlet jokes with her.
e Claudius stands uP ... the PlaY.
f Hamlet is ill, . .. he cannot give Guildenstern a sensible answer.
g Hamlet feels ready for revenge ... the play'
51
 h Claudius doesn't feel safe . .. Hamlet is still in the country.
i Polonius will report Hamlet's conversation with Gertrude ...
Claudius goes to bed.
i Hamlet waits for revenge . .. Claudius finishes talking to God.
16 Discuss these questions with another student.
a How does Hamlet feel about these people at the end of Act 3?
Claudius Rosencranlzand Guildenstern Ophelia
Polonius Gertrude
b How do they feel about Hamlet?
c Who do you feel most sorry for? Why?
Act 4
Before you read
17 Discuss these questions with another student. What problems will
After you read
1g One word in each sentence is wrong. Which word is it? What is the
correct word?
a Hamlet calls Rosencranlz a worm.
b Ophelia has gone mad because her brother is dead.
c An angry crowd wants Hamlet to be king.
d claudius puts flowers on Polonius's grave.
e Robbers freed Hamlet in return for his promise of money'
f Claudius has not punished Hamlet for three reasons.
g Laertes is sad that Hamlet has returned.
h Hamlet wants to test Laertes's skill with a gun.
i Claudius plans to put poison in Hamlet's food.
i ophelia jumped out of a tree into an icy stream.
20 Put these words into the correct sentences.

there be if these people meet? Why?

raid fat kind mad patient safe secret
af

a Hamlet and Claudius?

stupid thin thirstY unbelievable
b flamlet and Ophelia?
a Gertrude thinks that Hamlet is ... .

c Claudius and Laertes?

b Claudius thinks that he has been too ... to Hamlet.
d Hamlet and Laertes?
c Polonius is Put into a ... grave.
d Hamlet thinks that Rosencranlz is ' . . .

While you read

e 'The . . . king with his country and the . . . man with no job are just
different dishes in the same meal.'
18 who is speaking? who or what are they talking about?
a 'He isn't eating. Worms are eating f claudius does not feel ... with Hamlet in the country.

him,'
g Laertes does not feel . . . of Claudius.

'At his head a piece of grass, at his h Hamlet has ... news for Horatio.

feet, a stone.'
i Claudius wants Laertes to be ... when Hamlet arrives.
i lf the fight is long, Hamlet will feel
c 'This is worse than a thousand deaths.'
d 'Her meaningless words shine like
21 Work with another student. Take the parts of Hamlet and the
Ghost. Have this conversation.
stars.'
Student A. You are the Ghost. Ask Hamlet why he hasn't taken
'They freed me in return for my
revenge yet. Tell him why he mustn't sail to England.
promise of help.'
Student B. You are Hamlet. Explain why you are going to sail
f 'l cannot openly punish him.'
g 'l want to be the one who punishes
to England. Why are you waiting before you take
revenge? Tell the Ghost.
him.'
h 'She lay on her back in the icy water.

52 53
 Act 5
Writing
Before you read
26 lmagine that you are Hamlet. You are studying away from home, in
22 Work with another student. Discuss a possible happy ending
for Wittenberg. Write a love letter to Ophelia.
this story. How can it happen?
2T lmagine that you are Gertrude. Write a letter to Hamlet in

While you read Wittenberg, before this story begins. Explain why you have married
23 Who Claudius. Ask him to accept Claudius as his new father.
a is thirty years old? 2g you are Claudius. Write your letter to the King of England. Explain
b died twenty-three years ago? why you want him to kill Hamlet.
c puts flowers on Ophelia's grave? 29 lmagine that you are Rosencrantz or Guildenstern. Write a letter to
d sent Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their death? Hamlet from England, before your death, explaining your actions.
e brings Hamlet a message from the King? Tell him why he should forgive You.
t doesn't want Hamlet to fight? 30 Write a report of the death of the King and Queen of Denmark,
g kills Gertrude? Hamlet and Laertes for your local newspaper.
h kills Hamlet? 31 Write about Hamlet after his death, for a magazine. ln what ways
i does not die? was he a good man? What were his weaknesses? What can we
j does Hamlet want to be the next king of Den mark? learn from his storY?
32 Except for Hamlet, who is your favourite person in the play? Who is
After you read
your least favourite person? Why? Compare them.
24 Work in small groups. lmagine that you are judges, and discuss
33 lmagine that you are Fortinbras. Write a speech to the Danish
these deaths.
people, agreeing to become their king. Explain what has
Hamlet Hamret's father Gertrude claudius happened. Tell them why their future will be better.
Rosencrantzand Guildenstern Polonius Laertes 34 lmagine that you are going to make a film of the play in your own
Ophelia
language. Who will you invite to play the main characters? Where
a ln which order did these people die? will you film it? ExPlain why.
b Where were they when they died? 35 A student magazine has asked readers to write a modern short
c How did they die? story about revenge. The best one will be in the magazine- Write
d which deaths were m urder? who was the murderer? your story.
e ls there anybody alive at the end of the play who should go to
prison ?
25 Discuss these questions.
a why does Laertes forgive Hamlet at the end?
b Why does Hamlet finally decide to take his revenge? Why
didn,t
he do it earlier? Answers for the activities in this book are available from the Penguin Readers website.
A free Activiry Worksheet is also available from the website. Activity'W.orksheets are
c what were Hamlet's biggest mistakes? why? part of the penguin Teacher Support Programme, which also includes Progress Tests
Graded Reader guidelines. For more information, please visit:
^nd www.penguinreaders. com.

54
 WORD LIST

act (n) one of the main parts of a play

castle (") a large, strong building that protected people inside from
attack
curta¡n (") a piece of hanging cloth that is pulled across a window
ghost (tt) t frightening, moving thing in the shape of a person who has
died
grave (n) the place in the ground where a dead body is put
grief (n) great sadness, usually after someone has died
God (n) the one who made Heaven and Earth
hleaven (") the place where good people go after death
Hell (") the place where bad people go after death
lord (n) man with a high position because of the family that he comes
"
from
mad (rdj) ill in the head
nephew (") your brother's or sister's son
po¡son (n/v) something that can kill people or animals. For example,
there are poisons in some plants and in the bites of some animals.
revenge (n) your punishment for someone who has hurt you
scene (r) r short part of a play without any change of time or place
servant (") someone who works in another person's house
skull (n) the hard inside part of the head which gives it its shape
sword (r) r long, sharp piece of metal like a big knife, used for fighting
wicked (rdj) very bad and dangerous
worm (n) an animal that lives in the ground, with a long, soft body and
no legs