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- The original version of the phrase appeared in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” The statement was uttered as Horatio and Hamlet see the ghost of Hamlet’s father beckoning to his son. Hamlet’s father had been king and was murdered by his brother, Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius.
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The line ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark’ is not spoken by one of the play’s major characters. It comes at the end of Act 1 Scene 4, when the Ghost has appeared (or, more accurately, reappeared) on the battlements of Elsinore castle, and beckoned to Hamlet to come and speak with it.
The ghost appears and beckons Hamlet, who follows it. They all tell him not to go but he insists and threatens them with violence if they try and stop him. While he is away, one of the officers, Marcellus, commenting on what the ghost’s appearance may mean, observes, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”.
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This phrase is taken from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The speaker is Marcellus, a guard, who talks to his philosophical comrade, Horatio, saying, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark …“ (Act-I, Scene-IV).The reason of saying this is just not that Denmark is facing dirt. It means that the situation of Denmark is similar to a fish that...
It also refers to different things in the play such as the corrupt ruling class in the state of Denmark, or the destruction of something unknown. Another idea is the rottenness of Claudius and Gertrude’s marriage — or the idea of incest. Many consider this marriage incestuous, whereas King Claudius feels it necessary to justify that it is in the be...
This phrase has a wide range of usage. It is found abundantly in literature, politics, courts, media and everyday life specifically when referring to a dirty politics. It perfectly fits for a corrupt leader, ruler or political party in a country. It can also be used for a boss for his misruling and corrupt administration. It can be applicable to an...
Marcellus, a guard at the fort, uses this phrase in Act-I, Scene-IVof Hamlet, during his conversation with Horatio as given below; (Act-I, Scene-IV, Lines 87-91) Shakespeare has portrayed Denmark as a place of human villainy — a breeding ground of political as well as spiritual corruption.
In Hamlet, this phrase is of immense significance. It is because it is spoken by a run of the mill, who has nothing to do with the upper echelons of the society. Still, he knows that if the elite or corruption, a state ceases to exist. The condition prevailing in Denmark are highly intriguing and confusing. In the midst of this confusion, Marcellus...
Non Sequitur: This phrase has used non sequitur because the statement logically does not follow the previous statement spoken by Horatio.
Hamlet Act 1, scene 4, 87–91. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Horatio: He waxes desperate with imagination. Marcellus: Let's follow. 'Tis not fit thus to obey him. Horatio:...
Marcellus says that something is rotten in Denmark, meaning that he does not trust that all is well -- that he thinks something is wrong. He says this because he doesn't really think it's...
Shakespeare Quick Quotes. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Hamlet (1.4), Marcellus to Horatio. This line spoken by Marcellus (and not Hamlet as is commonly believed) is one of the most recognizable lines in all of Shakespeare's works. Despite its fame, this line is left out of some productions of the play¹.
The meaning and origin of the phrase ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark’ From Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act I, Scene 4, 1602: HAMLET. My fate cries out, And makes each petty artery in this body. As hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve. Still am I call’d. Unhand me, gentlemen. By heaven, I’ll make a ghost of him that lets me! I say, away!
