Modern English Is a Modern Language, Not a Shakespeare Translation

Linguists employ a general rule to mark the natural evolution that most languages experience. Shakespeare is considered a modern english writer because we can read his words to day without the need for a translation. If you are willing to spend the time in effort, you can read hamlet or macbeth to day in the same words shakespeare used and still understand the gist of the story. Another literary work from the same time period is the king james's bible. Once again, there are modern translations to make it easier to read, but it's not necessary.