OXFORDHAMLET. k casile, and the guards are trying «o keep warm, i col, dav night ouside the King of Denmark's Suddenly hey see a ghost They have seen i twice before. Irs the ghos ofthe dead King, Hamle' fther, ‘ho died very sudlenly a short tne ago. The gues ate worried, and aide asi, Perhaps the ghost wines to say something inportane, x0 they decide to tll Hanes abot Inside the ease, Name's uncle Candias, who is now the King is dntking and laughing with his now wife Gertie, Hamlet's mother. They both want Hamle be happy like them, buc he can’ fore his aer, and is all wearing blak, “I want to de he eink, “How cme ite? ‘Bur whem he ses the ghost, and heats what it as ell him, he sno Tonge sad, bueangsy, Now the only thing thax matters co him is revenge! There wil ea each in the xsl very soon,~ Hamlet Seoge2 20 bens 3 > . >Actors Ate CONTENTS. Cee teen ws otisISS SSF s eA} 6 6 4 4 6 3 6 INTRODUCTION Hamlet st in Denmark «counery inthe north of Europe Before the play begins, Hanlers father, the King, isd suddenly and his brother Claus fscame the new King Clantius marred his brothers wile Queen Gertrude. PERFORMANCE NOTES Act Scene 1 Outside the castle Scene :A room inthe castle Scone 3: Lact" room ‘Scene 4: Outside the caste AGe2 Scene |: Poloniae's room Scene2: A room inthe castle ‘Act3Seenes Land 2: A room in the castle Seene 3: Case's nom Soene 4: Gene's room Act Scene I: Gertnude’s tom Scene; A room inthe castle Act Scene 1: Outide the castle Scene 2: rom in the easle ‘You will aced some swords, some hag for Lares hairs sd fables few leer and boc, «small box, a crown. a smal hott, some flowers a spade, a skal, ome wine-ottle, some ups, and some black clothes for Hamlet. Yeu will need ‘something ke holein the ground for «grave and something ‘hat fooks ike ood. ta Gerru's root there must bem large «uta for Poloniue to hide behind CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY Hamlet, Prince of Denmati ‘Claudius, King of Denmark, brother of Banners den fisher Gertrude, Queen of Denmark, Hamler’s mother and Claude's wife The ghost of Hale's dead father Polonins, adviser to Claudine Laeres, Plonine's son ‘Ophelia, Polonive’s daughter Horatio, rend of Hamers Rosenerant and Guildenstern, fends of Hale's when he was younger Bernardo, Francisco and Marcellus, guards atthe King's case Agrave-digger Other guard and servants Three actorsHamlet Ace Sceve 1 The dead King comes back Ue is dark. Branciseo, a guard, is standing outside the King's easile, He i looking aronnd and listening ‘waco How cold and dark it ist I'm tired, and L want 0 go to bed. (He bears a noise.) Whe was that noise? Who's the suxwavo (Entering) Don'e worry, eancisco ~ it’s me, Bemardo. I eveeytiag all ight? rawcco Yes. ls been very quiet. What vine i it? vaso I's midnight. You ca look tired. Ho 9 10 bed now. You jo and Marcellus will be here ‘mawonco I think thar they're coming now. I can't see id s that you, anyone, but I can heat voices. (Horatio enter) Stop! Who's there romano Yes, Francisco, i actus And me. We've come wo see Berar, ranesco He's here with me. Well, I'm going. Goodnight, everyone, (He leaves.) sexeanno Horatio! Marcellus! li’ good to see you both 1Hamlet orate Bernardo, you know why we've come ‘Marcellus says that you've sen a ghost out here ontrus We've seen it ewice, haven’ we, Bernardo? believe you! Ghosts aren't real. You only find them in stoves, miso The ghosts real, Horatio, Marcelhis al I saw it lastnight, at about one loc, The ghost enters. omni Td actus Look! Ie's come again Look over there! omario It's the King! les the dead King! I can’ believe my eyes! remanoo §) to it, Horatio. You're cleverer than ns. ‘We don't know wht co say otno (To the ghost} Who are you? What are you? What do you wane? Speake 6 ust aneaas It's moving away, owno Stop! Tell us why you have come! Is there something that we must do? Is there going ta be {ouble in Denmatk? (The ghost leaves.) Don't ga! ans0 Shall we follow i? anemias No, I's gone. It won't come back tonight simwaxo0 Ill be morning soon, They say chat ghosts never wale during te day. ‘aouzmo. Shall we tell Prince Hamlet about this? le wa the host of his dea facher, the King, Te didn't speak 0 us, but twill speale to him, I'm sue. Act Scene 2 veanenies. Yes, lee's find Hamlet and tll hin Actt Scam? Hamlet is thinking about his father Inside tbe castle. King Claudine i talking, Gertrude i nest to hms, with their servants, Haveet, Polonius and Lacrtes are listening, Hamlet is wearing black clothes cauous ‘The death of my dear brother bi very sad, and everyone in Denmark will remember him for along time. rovowns Thar is very me, my lord, avous Bur lfe must goon, and, as you all knaw, Ihave made ws all married my brother's wifey Gertrude, Hamlet, ‘you ate like a son co me now: ‘Horiet, you are tke @ san 10 me now” 3Haynie ‘axriex Hamlet, your clothes are black, like the night, ‘Why do you sil lok vo unhappy? waar Do T look unhappy, mother? Pechaps 1am unhappy. I can change my clothes, bue {can’t change what ec ‘axrwos Try not co think about your father any more, Hamlet. Let your eye look on Claudius ax a friend. Remember— all that lives must die. ‘avons Don's be sad, Hamlet. Your father lost a father, tnd that father lost his. Death is everywhere. ‘Think of me as your father now. Come with me, everyone. We will drink to my new family! They al leave, but Heaniet stays, uncer Oh, God! I wane to diet Hove empey life ist My. father, the greatest man in Denmark, has gone ‘The man who's taken his place is no beter than ‘an animal. Oh, mothee! Why did you marey him? Break, my heart Horatio, Marcellus and Bemando enter. oun My lord, we have some important news for you. “wwwsr Horatio! Good «0 see you! You've heen away, haven't you? oume. Yes, my lord But J came back t0 Denmark for your father's funeral tuee Or was ic my mother’s wedding? (He laughs 4 Act Scone 2 angrily) Horatio, in my mind's eye I can sill see ry Father. ote ‘My lord... saw him lastnight awsr What! That's noe possiblet omni We saw a ghost las night, my loc. rer Where was ie? And what was itlike? anentis Ie was outside the castle, my los suanno It Jooked like the dead King, my lord soso knew your father, my lord. It was his, awust What did ie do? Whar did i say2 “wat sy?Hamlet anestis It came neat 10 us and looked at us, but i clio’ speak, wer If i isthe ghost of my father, perhaps ie will speak to me. I must sce this ghost, nwnoo Marcellus and I have seen it three times, my Jord, at midnight or lates owno. Perhaps it will wal again tonight, my lord, ‘wane Tl meet you all conight at midnight, outside the castle, Don’t tll anyone what you have seen! A Ophelia makes a promise 1 Somes Lacrtes is ix bis room with bis sister Ophelia. He is Packing his bags for a journey. ‘ann: Well, Ophelia, I'm ready 10 g0. You'll write to me while I'm studying in France, won't you? ‘nmin Of course { will, Lacres ans Before go, must alk co you about Hamlet. Tel ‘ne the truth: has he told you that he loves you? ‘ruin He is very ftiendly to me, He has given ime presents, and ‘assis Don’t believe him, Ophelia! He uses beautiful words, and pethaps he likes you now, but he doesn't really love you, 6 Hamlet doesn’t realy fove yo forma Doesn't he? But Polomius enters rotons Hurry, Laertes! Your ship is ready to leave! tam 'm ready, father. rovows Before you go, T want to tell you a few things, because you haven't béen away from home before, You must be easefol. Don't male friends 100 quickly; ake your time, Don't get into fights 100 easily. tame Tbe careful any led rononts. Give every man your ear, but few your voi ‘amen Tl remember what you say, father, Now, I'm steady to leave, s0 rounws Neither a borrower nor a lendes he; you will lose either your money ar your friend, Above all,Haret be true to yourself; it must follow, as night follows day, that you cannot be untrue to other people. Novr, hurry! lamers Goodbye, father. Goodbye, Ophelia ~ and remember what I told yout (He leaves.) ‘oxox What did he mean, Opielia? ‘oman We were talking about Hamlet before you came in, my lor. Yowows Ah! Thave been worsied about this. You spend ‘oo much time alone with him, my dese. ‘rnin Dut he is very ke! t0 me, my loc rowowws Kind? Surely you don’t think dha he loves you ‘niet to not know what to think, my lod. routs Ophelia, Fane is @ prince. One day he will ‘marry someone important. His Five words mean nothing. I want you to say away from him. Dow't talk co him any more! Do you understand? ‘rnin. Yes father, I won't see his again, l promise Act Sexe ‘The ghost speaks Hamlet, Horatio, Marcellus and Bernardo are outside the castle, Ii dark tuwsuer) How cold i is! Ist mid yet Horatio? Act Scene 4 worst Yes, my lord, Perhaps we'll see the ghost soon, (There isa noise inside the castle.) What was thac? umuer Claudius is drinking with hie fiends, as usual. ‘Theyre all shouting and dancing, Sometimes he rinks alli The ghost enters. onan Look, my lord! Look, here it comes again? tmuust (To the ghost) Are you good ot bad? I don't know, but 1 will speak to you, King, father, answer me! Why have you come hack frou the save? (The ghost moves away and looks back at Hamlet.) He wants me to follow. vorape My lord, dot follow him! encase Tes dark and dangerous out here, my lord axanoo You'll have an accident, my lord! ‘nas Pr going to follow him, Pm not afraid. Inloesn’e er if die. (The others try 20 stop hrm.) Leave ime alone! (He pulls out bis sword.) Tl make a host of anyone who tries to stop me! Hamlet follows the ghost. The others try to follow, but they go the wrong way. Hassle is alone with the shout wanuet- Speake vo me, and Iwill listen, ‘owost Hanulet, 1am the ghost of your deal father. There is something that you mast do. Ifyou loved your father suouer Oh dd, I did »>2eeenennnneeteete.SSSSSCSSOSHSSESSE SELES SHS HESS EEE EES ‘ators You muse ake revenge for his rerible murder, euneT Murder! Oh, cell me who murdered sy father, and il kill him! ‘anost Everyone thinks that a snake killed me. But i's not tre. The snake cha killed me now weats my wry What So the murderer was Claudius our Yes = my brother! While I was sleping in the tarslen, he pur poison in my ear. le took my life, ny crown, and my wife. Dor’ hure your mother, amie Bue you muse take revenge on Claus! ager Lil will ‘awosr_ Remember! (The ghost leaves.) ater Remember? How con Iever forge? Claudis will 4ie~T won't eest unl thas day! 0 Horatio, Bernardo and Marcellus enter renvatoo Here he ist uagcetiis We tried to follow you, my lore, rnonsnia What news, my lord? Did the ghost speak 10 ramusr Yes, Horatio, he told me a secret, a terrible scree. One day I'l tell you whar he said, hue not vet. (He takes out bis sword.) Now, pu your hhands om my sword. Promise thac you won't tell ‘anyone about the ghost ‘They bear the ghost's voice. aor Promise! ome cincanimanenvaano We promise ances I.can hear the ghost, bur lean'e see it rexnatoo Where sit? Is it under the ground? orsniThis is strange, my loed ruyert” You area clever man, Horatio, but there is more in chis world than you can ever dream of wwonario That's tre, my lord ruyarr Listen, all of you. Fora while the dings chat say and do will be strange and unusual, Perhaps people will even think that Iam mad. Promise that yon will ot say anything about me. cavesr Promise! onan matcrais minmane We promise ssaer Now, le’ go back into the castle‘Acta Seuse 1 A strange visit Polonius i alome in his room. rotons Well, Laertes has left. I hope that he Opbelia rans into the room. rovoews Ophelia What's the matter my dear? cmmmia ve just had a terible surprise, Hamlet rotons Now, my dear, I told you not ta talk 0 the Princ, did ‘min Yes, father, ut he came into my room, He did't koe ~he just walled in rovonats And what eid he say? Wha did he do? commun He didn say anything. He ust looked at rouomus He didn't hurt you, did he? ‘onaia No, father. He ust stood in front of me at held my arm. He was shaking, Pethops he's il? rovowas No, my dear, i's worse than that, I think. Come with me, We must ealk to the King. Act Seme2 Hamlet meets two old friends In the castle, Claudius and Gertrude are talking t0 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. et 2 Scone 2 cums Rosencrants and Guildenstern, thank you for ‘coming to see us. The Queen and I would like your help. ‘artmune You were at school with Hamlet, weten't you? rnosceanrz Yes, my lady, we've known him for along camps How can we help, my lord? ‘awn Haunle is very unhappy. OF course, he was sad ~ lke all of us — whe his father died, Bue {don't think cha isthe only problem, ‘axmuoe We wane yon to stay with the Prince for a ry to find out why he is 90 ‘wortied. Will you help ws? ‘conmesrns Of course, my lady. We will do all thae we cru ‘Thank you, But we need help quickly. Can you talk 10 my son soon? esmiervtz We will find Hamlet at once, my lady. Rosencrantz and Guildenstom leave, Poloniue enters. ‘tapas Ah, here's Polonius, Have you any news? roowns Yes, my lord, Ihave some news about Harnet aaunus Good! We want to help him, Polonis, rouowas Welle my lord, I believe that 1 know what has happened to him. As you know, Ihave a daughters while. Talk to him. ‘Ophelia. (He takes ont a leter.) She gave me this caxrnuee Is it from Hamer? B oo &he + tee ee i, |Aeeaa ae Horne rowovas Yes, my lady. Listen, (He reads.) ‘To the beautiful Ophelia. never forger that I love you: {cannot count how many times Ihave cried ‘avons Isa love letter! So Hamler loves your daughter? rovowns Yes; my lord. He has loved her for some time. nmixune What abont Ophelia? Does she love him? roxonns Idon't know, my lady, bt Urol her not to tall tthe Prince, not to answer his letters, and not to ep his presents ‘cauons Do you think hac his love for Ophelia has made him unhappy? oionts Yes, my lord, butie’s worse ¢han that. He is not use unhappy = e ill, perhaps even mad. ‘errno Mad? My poor soa! What can we do? Hamlet enters, reading a book. rovonas He's coming now! Well decide what ro do Inter. Claudius and Gertrude leave. rotons Whar are you reading, my lord? sasuer Words, words, words rocosnes Can Ido anything for you, my lord? wuneT_ Yes. You can leave me alone. Polonius leaves, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter, suet My good feiends, Rosencrantz anxl Guildenstern! | haven’e seen you for years! I's good to see you both. What are you doing i this prison? osvcranrz Prison, my load? 4 Words, weds, words.” saer Denma’s prison. ansmaran Surely not, my lord? sawuzr To you it isn't; ro me ic is. Things are only good for bad if we think they are, But why have you come to the castle? rosmenusrz We've come to se yon, my lord. suyaet Peshaps someone asked you to cote? camoewerx: What do you mean, my lord? avast Perhaps the King and Queen want you to ask me 1 few questions? oscars Well they have talked to us aunasran It's true, my lord, they asked us to help. vuwaer Don’e worry, 'm not angry, I know that they are ‘worried, ve been unhappy for some time, 1sHames scasxcuare. But whys my lond? vwuaer [don't know, my friends. Look at the work ‘How beautiful eis, the sun, the sky, the stars Bat tome, it sempry and dead, What a piece of work is a man! How strong and clever, the greatest of God's ani and so is woman, Js! But to me, man is unintecesting restnenantz We ate srry that you are so sad, my lord, ‘euuserstan Don't forget chat there i a play this ‘evening, my lord. Will we see you there? awsr A play? Good! Of course I'l be there. Now my friends, I want co be alone. I'l se you later: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern leave tuaazr Ihave an idea, Everyone will beat the play cis ‘evening. av going to tlk to the actors and ask them ¢o change the play a litle, The play's the thing thac will show the truth about Claudius the King! Act Smet A strange conversation Claud, Gertrude, Polonius and Ophelia are in a roan in the caste ‘aawus Gertade, my love, Polonius and I havea plan, Act 3 Scene | rotons As you know, my lady, Hamlet isin love with mmy daughter, His love has made him mad, 1 shink. ‘cumns We're going to listen, secretly, while Hamle and Ophelia tall, We want to understand what's syvong with the Pence cernurs. [hope you ean help my son. Ophelia, my dear, if you love him, pesbaps he wil get better. ‘risus Thope $0; my lady. Gertrude leaves rouons Hams will be here soon. (He gives Ophelia book.) Here, my dear, read this book, Thea ‘Hamlet won't know chat you are waiting for him. Polonius and Claudins bide. Hare enters rumer To be or not tobe, that isthe question: to go on living, Sghsing against this sea of troubles, or die and end everything? Why be afraid of death? To die is ta sleep, no more. Pechaps to dream? “Yes, that’s the problem i that sleep of death ‘what dreams will come? (He sees Ophelia.) Ob, ‘beavifal Ophelia ‘muaun My lord, ate you well? You pave me some presents =I ra samurr I never gave you anything. ‘ona You know that's not true, my lord. You seat Jerters, 100, with beautiful words that mode the sat now you have changed. to give them back, presents even sweetPOSSTASD HHH RHHDE $4se008 66686 Parhaps I loved you once inet Dechaps loved you once, fom You did my lod, you did, tuanuer Buc perhaps noe. No, Inever loved you. ‘omnia Please don’ say that (She starts ery.) ‘wwurr Love is nothing, Ophelia. You musin mmacry, If you have children, they'l be stupid, like your Facer formu Whar ate you saying, my lord? What's the mater? vwuwirr (Shouting) You women, with your beautiful faces and soft voices! Aren't there any good women left? Ophelia, you muse never marry, do you understand? All your lifet Not me, not anyone (He leaves.) 18 Aet3 Scone 1 forma. (Crying) What's happened co him? Hle was 9 ood, kind man, and he loved me, Why has he changed so much? Claudius and Polonies come out fone their hiding place ‘caucus Is he in love? Is he mad? I'm not sure, Polonius Bar something is wrong. fnwnia Father, Hamler sid some terrible things rovosas You don’ need to tell ws, my dear ~ we heard everything, Don’ cey, Ophelia ‘amen U'm worried, Polonius. Hamlet is the Prince he Js an important man. If he goes on saying these strange things it will be dangerous forall of us, rocosns ‘That's te, my lord, ‘1m woried,Polorius, 8Handee cans Uf he leaves Den ark for a while, perhaps he will ot beter: Visiting a different counery will be ‘good for him. I'm going to send him away, Polonius. I'm xoing to send his to England, rovonais_ Very well my lord ‘Ace Scone A murder ‘A room in the castle. Horatio and Hamlet are talking, tuner ve told you what the ghost said haven’st? orane Yes, my lord, Do you believe what he said ~ehae Claudius murdered yous father? ugusr He told he truth, 'm sore, Listen, Horatio, The play's going to stare soon. Watch ic carefully ~and watch Claudins, too. voaana Why, my lord? Whats gong to happen? ver T have told the actors to change che play. Remember what the ghost told me~ Cladios put poison in my father's ear while he was sleeping. mos And thas going co happen inthe play? sususr ‘That's sight! I want to see what happens when Claas sees the munder, Then well knovr the ‘uth about my father’s death, Horatio! snoramo Pl watch carefully, my lord 2» ‘Dowt worry, mother. IY onlya play. Clandis, Gertrude, their servants, Polonius, Opbelioy Rosencrantz and Guildensteos enter, and sit down. cuauous What play are we going 10 see, Hamlet? uter Fes mueders my lore cexrnooe A mueder! aaauer Don't worry, mother. It's only a play. But i's a ‘eye story, Flere come the actors Two actors, playing a king ond qusen, enter. The king is toearing a crown. onus Init along play, my lord? tuner No, es short: As short as a woman's love. The king and queen hss. The queer leaves, and the king lies doum and sleeps. Anoth mall bottle. ‘man enters, carrying @ a Pe ai(SRRHKRR HR RHKSHHHE HEE H HEHEHE RAO Hamlet ‘axmuot Whats he going to do, Hamlet? tuner Well have to waie and see, mother: ‘The man holds the bottle to the king’s ear. The king sits sup for a second, then falls back, dead, The man puts om the crown, aun, I don’t ike this play, ‘The queen comes back and sees the dead king. She evies Thom the murdorer comes to her and kisses ber cumwous (Shouting) Stopt No more! (He runs out) rotors Stop the play! Now! Hamlet and Horatio stay, while the others leave, suaurr Did you see how he jumped, Horatio? vwouno Yes, my lord, Now we know the truth! Horatio leaves, uyuer- Chaven’e forgotten the words of my dead father. Twill have my revenge. 1 want blood ~ the blood ‘of Claudiust Acr3 Som 3) Claudius tries to talk to God. Claudius és in his room, talking 10 Rasencrante and Guslenctern ‘asuons Tm sending Hamlet to England, Rasenceanes and Guildenstern, I wane you to go with him, Fay etd Scone 3 rosoexanre Very well, my lord. ‘saunas You mast understand that he is @ dangerone ‘man, I want you co watch him carefully eutounssin We will my lord, caus Go and get ready to leave Rosencrantz and Guildensters leave, Polonins enters roosts My lord, Ive told Hamlet that hie mother wants to rato him. I'm poingto hide in her room while they ell, ‘causns Goad. Perhaps you'l find out what's the matter with him, Polonius leaves. Cladine is alone cuauons Why did Hamlee want me to see thar play? Does Jae know what Thave done? But how can heknovr? ‘Oh God, Lhave cone a tertible thing. I wanted the ceowvn, snd [killed my brother ta get it. Oh God, Pm sorry! Hamlet enters. Claudius has his eyes closed, an does not see him ‘uauust- Shall 1 kill him now? Yes. Nave Lean do it. Now I will do ie. (He sakes out his sword.) Noy not now. Idoa’t want him to die while he is talking to ‘God, | want his death to be terrible! He pus bis sword back aed leaves. 2sAct scant 4 A terrible mistake Gertrude is stung i her 100m, taking to Polonius, rotows T've asked Hare to come ane! see you, my lady. Tt hide behind the curtain while you talk, 1 vane to eae what he says, ‘uxrnune Lean hear him coming. Hide now. Quickly! Polonius bdes behind the curtain, Harilet enter. fuwmer You want to calk to me, { think, came Yes, Hamlet. What was that strange play about? Yout father is angry and worried. wamust Wha do you mean, mother? My father i dea. crxmuot Claudius is your father nov. ‘auer I know Claudius better than you Tao You, too: you are the Queen, your husbaud’s brother's wife. And, 'm sorry to say, you are my smother ‘sacmune Li not going o listen eo this! She tive to stand up. ~ mscer (Shouting) Listen! I'm going to tell you the sucht He pushes ber back on her chair scaraune Help! Guards! rotowws (Shouting, from behind the curtain) Helpt Guards! The Queen is in danger! Pa et 3 Scone 4 tuamuet: There's someone behind the curtain! (He takes out bis sword and stabs it through the curtain.) ‘crue Ob, Hamlet! You've killed him! awirt Is it the King? (He pulls back the certain, Polonia is dead.) Polonius! ccirmuot Oh, whae a bloody ching you have done! ‘user Bloody? Yes, neatly as-bad, good mother, as killing a king ~ and marrying is brother! ‘urrmunc Killing aking? What ate you talking abou? uuuer: The man you matted, mother, ie a murderer, curmune No! Haralee! What are you saying? auausr_ (Shouting) Why did you doit? Your husband was a good man, a loving father, a great king ~ and you muarcied the animal who murdered bim! “Poonius!Hamlet ‘The ghost enters, axrnine (Crying) No more, Hamlet, no more ruamer The ghost of my father! You've come again} ‘ixraune (To herself} My poor son! He's mad! ‘owsr Hamlet, doa’e hurt your mother | don't want her co be unhappy. Bur Claudius i sill alive. Take revenge; Hamlet! Remember! fanraune What ate you looking at, Hamlet? ruswusr Can't you see ic? My father! Your husband! The King! Look ot him! Aren't you afr? ‘axvmure There's nothing there, Harner. ‘The ghost leaves. waar Tes gone. a not mad, mother: Pm telling the truth, Your husband is a murderer I'l leave you now. Don't tel anyone what fave said ‘rxrvure Bue what shall we do about Polonias? want Hal He always loved taking, But he won't ell any secrets any more! Hales leaves, pulling Polonins's body aftr bi. Ace Some t Claudius decides what to do about Hamlet ‘The Queen i still in her rooms. Claudius enters ‘caus What did Healt say, my love? How is he? % Act Scone L axrmuoe He's mad and angry, like @ stormy sea. There ‘noise behind the curtain, and he pulled out and killed Polonins! murs Ob not He isa danger ro ws al. Whereis he? ‘cexrwuoe [think that he’s gone to hide she body. ‘asueas We must find his. (Shouting) Rosen Guildensteen! (They enter.) Find Hi Quickly! He’ killed Polonius! (They leave.) ‘rxmne, He's sorty for what he has done, I'm sure. ‘soon This is terrible news, Gertrude, There will be trouble, I'm afraid, Tm sending him away to England, ut we will have ro explain this death co everyone. Rosencrante and Guildenstern enter, with Hamlet and his sword words. coxruene Whe ruyuer He's having rest. A long res. suns He's mad, Gertrude. He won't tell us anythin. ryner Bur if you go up those stars (showing them) _you'l smell something strange cusvons Guards! Quickly! Gop those stairs and find che body. (The guans leave.) uta Theze’s 80 hurry —he'l wat. going, to En friends are going with you, You'll fel better 's Polonius, Hamler? nd Sea. ‘asvons Now, Haelet, you Yor if you leave Denmaek for a whileMamet ‘suet England? Good. 1 get ready. tHe leaves) .auous Rosencrantz, Guildenstern: I want you to stay with Handler all eh tine, Do you understand? ‘sweomoriny Yes, my’ lord. We won't leave him alone. amoun (Giving Rosencrants« letter) When you artive, you must give his letter to the King of England immediately. t's very important sosceavre We are your servants, my lor, and will do 8 you say. (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern leave.) ‘avons (To himself) That letter is important. The King of England is my friend, I've asked him t0 do something for me ~ kill Hamlet will never be happy while hat man is alive! A room in the castle, Gertrude is talking to a servant. sane Oplelia isn't well, my lady ccarmune What's the matter with her? sanvanr When we told her that her father was dead, she ‘was very sad. Now she's saying strange things Opbilia enter. ‘ormnn (Singing) Ob, my Love is dead, my love is dead, and lying inthe ground w Act 4 Ses caxsiune Ophelia! What's wrong, my dear? ‘Cladinsentes exwuia Don't tlk. You must listen to my song. (Siaging, dancing) Mis clothes were as white as snow, when rohis grave he did go ‘caus Oh, no! The poor girls mad! Her father’s death was too mach for het ‘coun Ie’ asad song, isnt i? There are no flowers on his grave. Good night, ladies; sweet ladies, good. night (She lees.) ‘caus Follow her! She mustn't be alone, (The servant leaves.) Oh, Gertcude! Will ous problems never end? (There is noise wd shouting outside.) extnuoe What's all ha noise? Who's there? Laertes nus i and pals out his ewer. tanans (Shouting) My futhest Who killed my father? cuunns Good Lacres t's tre that your father is dead, and we are all very sad, vusnris Who did i2 111 Kil hic ‘curt Laertes, you must believe me, It wasn’t ‘Claudius who killed your father, aserss Who was it? PI have my revenge! amoas Done worry, Laetes. The maa who killed your father will dc Ophelia enters, carving flowers and sing tazarts Opheliat Don’t you know me?‘Remember, Remember ‘mmm (Singing) All the people cry, asin your grave you lie... Why acen't you singing? ‘sires My dear sistert Oh, flower of spring! Is it possible? (Crying) She has gone mad commun (Giving flowers to everyone) This lower ig for You. And this one is for you, and you, and you, Remember. Remember. (She leaves.) ‘tsuows Gertrude, my dear, leave us for a while, (Gertrude Seaves,) Laerte, i¢ was Prince Hamlet who killed your father, taneris Hamlet! Where is he? ‘cums He has gone to England, Don't worry, Laces, ve will hear some news about him soon, lussmas When he comes back, kill him! A servant enter. 30 sexwsir A leer has arived, my lord, from Hamlet. ‘The servant gives Claudius the letter, and leaves ‘aawus From Hamlet? But... that’s not possible! (He reads the leter.) Oh, not He's back in Denar He's coming here ~ soon! tasers: That's good nevs! ‘asinnx No, Something has gone wrong. Pll have to think of diferent plan. Hamlee must die, Bur ic must look like an accident. T have an idea, A sword fight! tasers Yes, my lord Tim good at fighting. cuavons Ie will be a friendly figh. I'll ask eveeyone co ‘come and wateh, Bar one ofthe swords will have poison on it tamer Everyone will enjoy watching it: They will think that it's just co see who isthe beter fighter! casos Thats eight. Bue Hamler will dit Gertrude enters, crying. cauraune Oh, Lacreest Your sister! Poor, mac Ophelia! cvauous What's happened? ‘erxriune There's a beautiful, all tee by the river ~ the poor gil climbed into i, sill singing her sad songs. vase Ob, no! And did she fall into the water? caxmire Yes, he's dead, LacrtestAcr Sean 1 Fighting at the funeral Outside the caste, a man is digging a grave cuveraccin Neary finished. ar thitsy! (He drinks, and starts singing.) Ob, when Twas young and in love, the time went too fast He thyows a skull ow of the grave, and goes on singing Homlet and Horatio enter. aust Welll be at the castle soon, Horatio. Wai. ‘What's this? (Taking the stu) A skull oun There's a gravediguer over there, my lord. tuwarr And he's singing! How funoy! ‘exavecuceam (Singing) But now I'm old and grey, and tauuuer Whose grave is tha? aveswocm fs mine, [made it. aowanio No, who isi for? Casto Oh, i's for a lady. An important lady. suxaurr (Holding the okull) And whose sll is this? ‘oravemccin That was Yorick. He died twenty years ago. Well, ve finshed. (Fe leaves.) rat Poor Yorick! 1 knew him well, Horatio. He played with me when I was a child, He was always laughing No more laughing. now, et, Yorick? 2 ‘Poor Yarick” omar Someone's coming ~lee's hide, my lord. Hales and Horatio hide, Claudius, Gererude, Laertes, 1. They are carrying a body. servants and guards en ramet Ie's the King and Queen! And Lacres! I's a funeral, Horatio. Who has died? Whose body i that? ‘The servants put the body inthe grave sain Oly my dear sister, you died too youn. rawer What! Ophelia? Ob, no! Is she dead? caraune. (Putting lowers on the body) Poor gil, hoped that you would marcy my son Hamlet one day. saris Al! Doa't say that name! Ophelia died because ‘of himn! Oh, my beautiful sister, I must kiss you ‘one last time, (He jumps into ihe grave.) 3(HREOC R OEE E RE RR ERR ERR ROR RR BRR A® Hamlet tuner (Showing) That's not truet (He goes up to the rave) What are you saying? I didn’t kill Ophelia! owed hee! nove Stop, my lord (He mune after Hannlet,) ‘users Hamlet I kill yout You never loved my sister! She was unhappy because of you! user loved her more than you didt Much moset Hales juries into the grave, and the two men fight. ‘zauons Stop fighting! Guards! Stop chem! axraune Don't hurt im, Laertes! The guards pul them out of the grave ‘aauows Horatio, go back eo che castle with Hamlet, Stay with him. (Hanslet and Horatio leave.) amrsuon Don't be angry, aertes. The Prince daesn’ ‘now what he is saying. He willbe bezter soo, ‘aauns (Secretly, to Laertes} Don't worry. You will have your revenge! Act Scunt2 Revenge A roiom bn the castle, Hamlet and Horatio are talking unorani So you escaped from the ship, my lord? vuawuer Yes. I found a letter, Horatio frm Claudius to his friend the King of England, Rosenerantz and u 15 Scene 2 Guildenstern were carrying i secretly, but decided to read it. wotanio Whac did dhe leter say? twuer You won't believe this, Horatio: it told the King, ‘of England to kill me! Immediacely! owne So Claudius killed your father, and now he wants till you, beeause you know the truth! rawuer That’ tight, Horatio, He is a dangerous inn. But L wil kil him est, And will ell che work that he murdered the true King! A seman enters suyar My lard, Laertes would like to have 2 sword Fight with you. Just a fiendly fight ~ i will be innerestng for everyone tamer Asword fight? Yes! Tell him ply. (The servant leaves.) Thats good, Horatio, like Laertes, Pm sorry that fought him earlier, Claedins, Gertrude, Lacrtes, servants and guards enter: ‘esuonss Now, Hamlet and Laeres: shake hands corrnune We want you to befriends. rawart Laertes, Iwas weong,to say those things ar che funeral, Please thin of me as a friend and a brother Ce ea to watch, he thinks. ‘asuone Bring the swords! A cornane brings eo swords 3sHanes corrsune And bring in the winet If Hamlet wins, 1 will sink! ‘The servants brig i some wine and cps. caus (Secretly, to Laertes) Laerees, take this swow, There's poison on it ‘aus But what if [ean touch him with the sword? aavous Don't worry. { have put poison in his wine Haralee wil det vuywer Come on, Lacttes | ‘They fight, and Hannlet touches Laertes with bis sword. sauerss You win the frscime, Hamlet, ccauras Wait a minute. Give chis drink vo Hamlet! (He ives a cup tothe serve.) Drink, Haale! rwaer_Noc yet. Ase you ready, Laertes? They fight. Hamlet touches Lacrtes again. ‘ereiune Well done, Hamlet Are you gettingtao hot, my ‘deat? Do you wane some wine? I'l have some! ‘euuo1s Stop! Gertrude! Don’e drink! ‘eetmioe Whats the matter, my love? ‘She drinks from Hamlet's exp. vars Come on, Hamlet, les fight again, (To Glands) ~ Shall do ie now, my lord? ‘cauons Wait. don’t know. ‘The Queen oer Come on, Laertes. You aren’ tryingt They fight, Laertes stabs Hamlet with bis sword, vnoxan My lord! There's blood on your face! % runes What's happening? Is he tying to kill me? Hamlet takes the sword from Lacrtes and stabs him angrily. Gertrude falls to the floor. Everyone shouts aavous Don't worry, she's allright, She feels ill when she see blood, ‘uwmuune Not [¢ was the wine! Oh, my dear Hamlett She des tumnurr Guaedst There's a murderer in bere! Lock the doors! anes Ws too late, Hamlet, You ate going co die. No doctor eat help you now. You haven't half an thou’ life left. There was poison on the sword ~ and in the dink! fe was the King... (He dies.) 7Hamlet ‘ue Well, poison, do your work! (He stabs Claudius.) cxavons Guardst Guards! Help met sanuer Murderer! Drink cis, nd follow my mother into ath (He puts the cxp to Clauaius’s mouth aid Claudius die.) Horatio, Lam dying. vworenio And I will die wich you, my’ lord, There i sill some poison inthe eup. (He takes the exp.) anwer No! (He pulls the cup away from Horatio.) Horatio, you must live. 1 want yous co tell the world the truth about me, and Clandiv, and my father. Death is coming fast, Horatio - no mone words... (He dies) noumo Now breaks a greae heart. Good night, sweet Prince. Rest now ~ the world will know the truth GLOSSARY gor a person who acs ina ply, sully i tent Maer somcone who gives hulp and idess Feline fel sure dha someting ee or ight cstle a strane billing made of son, often th home of «ing rown somethings Hing or queen wears on hs er head tain large piece of cloth ually covering window tig so make a Hole ia the pound ‘ream something at happens in your mind while you ae ce funeral hen family and ends put a ded peton’s body inthe round oat the sprit ofa dead person tha comes bck vist people {rove plas inthe round where a dead body is bred ipued soli who hee plce fr person} safe Tear a persons fechas and hopes ling the head ofs coun, or husband guess ise eo toac someone with the lin in a oving way lady atte for «woman of good Ex Ferd soe someone hive or se something fora ime Tord avi fora man of goo family rma il i the mind, enable think or bebave normally Inind the part of you that thinks and understands ay a sory (like Hama) that people can wah, often performed by actors aa thea poison something tha wil il you or make you vey ill Prince the son of king or sien rable somthing sha diffe to understand or del with 39Glossary promise co el someone that you wl cetiny do something fuesn the head of eauntry, oe wife of king fevenge when 700 hus somcone whe has hur you ace seant someone Whe works fr example, couklng or ceaine) in another person's hoase stall the bones of or head mal with no leg oon with poisonous bis shat over along the ground stab to hure someone with kale of swond send Yer long, shatp kind of knife used fr ihting teu something tha ite ‘welding whan aan and wommn ary (tenn a chute) wine strong eink made of grapes Hamlet ACTIVITIES . ‘ ‘ « e e ® . ® . . « a 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 * * % .SSR RRRRREERE RHE O RR OHRERHDODEBESE® acrivitiss Before Reading 1 Read the back cover ofthe hook. How much do you know ‘now about Hamlet? Cirle Y (yes) or N ino) foreach 1 Hames che King of Denmark. YN 2 Her sa young man. Y/N 3 Hamlet usally looks happy. YN 4 Ophelia loves Hamlet, YN 5 Mamle’ frends are worried about him, Y/N Read he information on the frst page ofthe hook. How ‘much do you know now about the play? Mach the people with the information, Gertrude! Hare's father! Claudiu! Hanne fs Homlee’s une, was King of Dermat 1 3 __ is Hamlet's mother 4 hed a short time ago, 5 mes isstll wearing black clothes, married Cds short time ago, n't forget his Father's death, 2 ACTIVITIES While Reading Read Act 1, Who said these words, and to whom? “They say that ghosts never wall daring the day.” “ts here going ta he tronblein Denmark? ‘Death is everywhere.” ‘Neither a borrower nora lendee he." 1 A a ‘i 51a not know what co tink, my lord? {6 Why have you come back from the grave? 7 “The snake that killed me now wears my crown.” 1 “There is more in his word chan you can ever dream of? Read Act 2, Choose the best question-word for these questions, and then answer them. Hove long! What! Where! Who Why 1s. did Hames say when he visited Ophelis? 2 has Hamlet known Rosencrantz and Guildensten? 3 ss wrotea love letert@ Ophelia? 4 shave Rosenerante and Guildenstern come ro she castle? 5. will everyone be this evening? “acer: While Reading ead Act ‘hen circle dhe correct words in each sentence, 1 Gerssue is worried / happy abou her von 2 Hamlet tells Opis that she nner / mest mney 3 Claus wants Hamlet co vist France / England 4 The ghost tokd Hauler thar Claudius was a fiend Fa 5 Claudius enjoyed dah’ te te pay 6 Hatnlr stabbed Poloniue/ the King with bie sword ‘Read Act 4 then match these parts of sentences 1 Hamlet killed Polonius 2 Claudius gave Rosencrantz and Guildenstern 5 When Haralt Ife Denmas, 4 When Lacrtes heard about Polonis's death, 5 Claudius ha a reeible surprise when 6 Clandius made a plan for 7 Gott tol Laertes that 8... sword fight betweea Hamlet and Lactes, 9 letter forthe King of England 10... Ophelia was dead Hi. he wanted t ill Ha 12... an hid ehe hoy 13... Hamlet suddenly came bac 19 Denmark, 14. Rosencrauta and Guildenstern went with hits. econ: While Reading Before you read Act 5, ean you guess how the story ends? ‘Choose ¥ yes} N no) oP (perhaps) 1 Claus sll the truth at lst. YN 2 Hatulr kills Clandivs, YP 3 Hamer isthe new King of Denmark, ¥/N/? 4 Lacrtes kills Hatlet withthe polzoned sivord. YN/P 5H 65 Laeits isthe ow King of Denmaek. Y/N/P see's mother des. YIN Rend Ace 5 Use these words from the play to complete the summary, [Use each word once.) digging, escaped, flower, frien, funeral, erave, ler, plan, poison, sl When they were coming back to the caste, Hamlet and Horatio saw a man who was Hamlet found ‘4 the geound. Then the King, Gerrude and They put her inthe ‘ow hee boul. Hanaet told v's to the King of England, acres arrived for Ophelia rave, and Gere put Horatio aboue Chand tok him went wrong, because Hacer Lacrtes and Hamlet had a sword from the oki Fight Hamlet thought it was a fight - but there was ‘on Lacres' sword. 45 + 7 ? 7 ? 2 z 2 * z » 2 ® ® 2 ® . « e© « « © « « « « « « « « * « « * « « e « * * * * * * « * * « « * Activities After Reading 1 When Claudius see Hamlet to England, he wrote alter to the King of England (sce page 28). Use these words rom the play o complete the leter, (Use each word once.) ‘accident, alive, careful, dangerous, fer, friendly, belp, immediately, kil killed, mad, people, Polonis, Princes Queen toll tied ‘My deat frend, ‘You must ____met have sent _Harnlet to ste you. Pechaps you think that Hamlet is and kind ~ but i's noc ruet He isa very man, He has my old friend __~and think be wants to me to! Hamle’s died ashore sime ago, and that made him —_The___and Thave__t0 lp him, but we sannot-1 will never be happy while Hamle is __. He use diet Teannot kill Marler the _of Denmark lave him, and Imnst be __. Bue if you kil btn, Iwill ‘everyone that Hamlet had a enible___ while he was in England. Please do this for me! Kill in = Claudine serra After Reading 2 Vethaps this is what four characters in the play ate thinking. Which characters are they, and what i happening Jn he play atthe moment? 1 °Oh not Those two actors they're showing how kiled ry beothee. How did they find out? F can’t watch thst £ mu leave— now!" 2 "Why is Hamlet so angry? He's saying cree things so his mother, Perhaps he's going to huet her. I muse cll for he guards a once!” 3 ‘What's wrong with my sister? Why doesn'eshe ‘remember me? Why is she singing these strange songs?” 4 "What's happening? Why has Laettes at my face? ts this friendly fight? Well, {know what ro do abou that! There is one mistake in each of these sentences about the host Rewrite the sentences with the correct information, 1 The ghose of the dead King came back to pak to his brother: 2 The guards at she castle only saw the ghost in the afternoon, 3 The ghost cold Hamer that snake killed him, 4 The ghost came hack when Hamlet was with Ophelia 5 The ghost old Hamlet not to het Claus, Do you belive ia ghosts? Have you or any of your fiends ever seena ghost? roerrs for Reading 4 What did you tink abou the people inthe play? Choose some names, and complete soate of these sa Haines { Ophelia Claudine! Gertrude | Laertes/Polonins because because 1 Lfalesorry for 2 Mele angey at 3 ___wassight to 4 was wrong 10 5 think did bad ching when 6 Ithink did good thing when Find the answers to this crossword in the play. 1 A large piece of cloth, usually overa window) 2A place in the ground fora dead bo. (5) 3 The opposite of happy’. (3) You'll se these people a¢ «theatre or cinema, (6 The bones of your head. (9 ‘You musta’t al about this to anyone! (6) ‘What isthe hidden word in the crossword? “8 aris After Reading 6 ‘These are yone words from the ply. In each group, one word docs not belong, Which word is it? Can you explain why? 1 wife son setvane father 2 worted secret! happy angry 3 river sword / poison / ower 4 cea / feral / wedding play 5 lend / snake f coven bottle Here is 4 new ening for the play. Fllin dhe gaps (you can tive as many words as you want ‘Cxauns: Gersrude! Don drink! That wine 1 GGunrauoe: What's the mater; my love? (She drs from ‘lat’ cup) Oh This wine Gertnude falls 0 she floor. Everyone shouts Hanne (Raving to help ber) Mother! What's weong? Lavarss: There ‘on___, 100, le was the King’ idea! asters (Taking Larter’ sword) Claudivs ~ you murdered. Now I'm going co (The in her wine~ and chee’ poison guards try to stop bin, bat be stabs Claudius.) Hoxatio: ls euet Claudius was. The erown belongs to Hamlet! (He gives the crown co Hamlet) amurr: Lacrtes, we mustn’e fight Be my fiend = be mp advise! You too, Horatio Can you think of edhe posible endings? ”REPRE R APRA P RARER RARER ER EEEEEEESS ABOUT THE AUTHOR ‘Wiliam Shakespeare (1564-1616) was bon in Sraford-ypon Avon, a small town in central England. He went co stool in Scratfrd and he massed wen he vs only eighteen yeas ok ‘A few yents lates, he moved to Lan, wile his wife and children stayed in Stafoed. He worked as an act, and soon storied writing plays and poetry Ar that time, theatres were ‘ew and exciting places. There were ely 2 few theatres in England, and ehey were all in London, Shakespeare wrote Hale, che mos discussed work ever wren for the dheate, in about 1600, A few yeats carer a Feench writer had published he stay of the tasic prince, Which originally came from 2 13th-century history of Denmark, 0 OXFORD BOOKWORMS LIBRARY lac * Crime Mystery Fal Fanta Horror nan nro» lees» Trier Aden Trae Stone Word Sars The caren wae ay poi ea reign Bgl ith + wide rag ic dma ee, non and play a lade esi eve anil sae! lene shih tie ares rier o aan eel, vere enon he A sage sides ar aruba rears awl a over heres Serer to tg Al Stra many eas ag {osare spl corer fo Yonge earner Benkvne i sated and States and Face hive illo dare ‘The owes noacene ty ale of etnive apport ach bok conn an nolo th oy, oer abo de ana eay, snd cits, Adon meres ical ead wera {answer fo thee a for he actresothbeka The ie om innings cst. ing seo eco a anyway ing Oxford ovkiorms in ring programm. Rsoice mals ee “The Oso Boor: Colla ‘oditf oh ef en ec ‘ner. Teae otal or alin arya (oe sloth aden we, deed ‘Yenc etl sels inthe Orford Belwor Libay eon at Oxford sins Lange Tehing Cts a ontheTHE OXFORD HOOKWORMS LIBRARY GRADING AND SAMPLE EXTRACTS STARTER + 250 HEADWoRDS anfanet gong Uae) single roc Hier phone is ringing. bot where iit? Sally gets out of ed and oks in her bag. No phone. She Jooks under the hed No phone. Then she looks bind the door. Thete is her phone, Sally picks up her phone and answers it Sally's Phone STAGE X + 400 HieapwoRDs pa sinple—cponon witha tor suboulintion wi ena ten, bcs | anew him in Persia. He was a famous builder and 1 worked with him there. For tite was his rind, bue not for Jong. When he came to Pais, I came aftr hen — L wanted to watch him. He was a very clever, very dangerous man, ‘The Phanow ofthe Opera STAGE 2 + 700 EADWoRDS presen pert fre) ~ (da) hae, mt een ‘paren of adiasires~ dnp if lawns pact ‘While was writing these words in my diay, [decided what todo. Lnvust try co escape, [shall y 1 get down the wall ouside. The window is high above the grout, but Ihave toy. [shal cake some of the pold with me ~if escape, perhaps it wll be helpful later. Dracads 2 STAGE 3 + 1000 11EADWoRDS ‘oul mey~ pet pt cotos seo psis = ‘tuntre™ rele dines ~fndient tens OF course, ie was most important dhat no one shoul! see Colin, Mary, or Dickon entering the secret gate, So Colin lave ocders to the paedeners that they tnt all keep away fom that pare of che garden i fuse, ‘The Seert Garden STAGE 4 + 1400 HEADWOKDS pt pact continues — pine ay form) — ‘teal enna class" ais uecnn = eaves with edn rns epetiondp hans {vas glad. Now Hyde could not show his face ro the world again. fhe cid, every honese ma in London would be proud ‘e report his tothe police, DrJeylt and Me de STAGE 5 + 1800 HEADWORDS fare como Fate prot Poe (dal cote fr) — world have condones + ps ine ‘he had spoken Estella’sname, [would hae it hie. Lass angry with him, and so depressed about my fut, hat could not ca the breakfast. Instead | we straight o the old ouse Gvat Expectations STAGE 6 + 2500 HEADWonDS. sive itive, gerund od mens lites of conn ean ‘When stepped up the piono, I was confident. was asf kw chat the prodigy side of me realy cd exist And when L stated to play, 1 vas so eau up ia how lovely Hooked that Tdidn’e worry how f wold soa, The Jay Lack Cab 3Romeo and Juliet Retold by Aisa Meal Whar’ ina name? Does ic relly matter if you ace called Montagne ar Capuikt? Wen Romeo, sn of Lard and Lady Montage Gls in we with he mort beni gid e's rete Ihe fndk one hae it des mare. emer all she ference im he werd because bt fails hate cah hee bite Foro de, ormee sn Julce manasa ley ite ove oe Tax wen Romeo is sent aay from Verona, and arrangements ve made for Jule to maar Passa frend of her Cathe hope begins ro die. Can any of hee en el the young lovers abe ropether fo ever? ‘The Importance of Being Earnest Retold by San Kingsley Algernon ws chat his frend fa doesnot aeays el the ‘auth: Foe exanpe, into his name is Eres, whe in he ot he als hime Jack And who i the gil who ges ha Presents fon le Cee, with al her lave? lt when the bess Gwendolen Facfr aps tht she can only lores man whose name ene, Jack less to change his sy td Gecrts Eset Svea Then Coe ape fay ‘Algernon, bt only if his names Eenst, eo, aa hings become ‘le diffe forthe two yung men ‘Tis famous play by Oscar Wide one ofthe Fins comedies inthe English language, 4