William Shakespeare's Hamlet is explained in modern English. This document is meant to help explain the idea behind Hamlet, a play by William Shakespeare, who originally wrote Hamlet, as well as his other classic plays, during the early 16th century. This time gap has allowed for a change in the interpretation of the words. To better understand Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, use this document for the modern English adaptation. It should help explain what William Shakespeare was saying in his literature, as well as clear up any misunderstandings between Old English and modern English. William Shakespeare, the Bard. Help with other plays, such as Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth, etc can be found to the left. Hamlet explained Shakespeare help literature analysis.