Explain the context of the following quotation and how it sets the tone for the play. "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." Your answer should be at least one hundred words.''

Question

Michelle Mclean

English

22 November, 05:36

Explain the context of the following quotation and how it sets the tone for the play. "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." Your answer should be at least one hundred words.''

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Averi Huynh · Answer 1

This is a line uttered by Marcellus, the guard, in Hamlet, Act I, Scene IV.

Marcellus is having a conversation with Horatio, as Hamlet leaves to chase his father's ghost. Horatio remarks that Hamlet's imagination is driving him crazy, while Marcellus suggests that they follow Hamlet. In addition, Horatio encourages Marcellus to follow Hamlet if he wants, but is wondering what this all means. Marcellus replies with one of the most famous Shakespeare's lines: "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

With this line, Shakespeare alludes both to the spiritual and political corruption present in Denmark. This primarily includes the incestuous relationship between Claudius and Gertrude, but also the murder plot against Hamlet's father. This remark is somewhat similar to Hamlet's "Tis an unweeded garden" (Act I, Scene II), where he compares the world to a neglected garden.