Why is Something Rotten in Denmark?

I’ve never been, but Denmark seems like such a cool place, so why is something rotten there? Those of you familiar with William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark should know the answer.

Horatio: He waxes desperate with imagination.

Marcellus: Let’s follow. ‘Tis not fit thus to obey him.

Horatio: Have after. To what issue will this come?

Marcellus: Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Horatio: Heaven will direct it.

Marcellus: Nay, let’s follow him. Exeunt.

Horatio, Marcellus, Hamlet, and the Ghost (Artist: Henry Fuseli 1798)

This scene takes place after the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears to Hamlet, Marcellus, and Horatio. Marcellus states that “something is rotten in the state of Denmark” literally meaning that something is wrong with the government of Denmark. Hamlet’s father then goes on to tell him how his brother Claudius, the current king, was involved in his murder so he could acquiesce to the throne. Nowadays, people just say “something rotten in Denmark” and leave the “state” part out, but the meaning remains; there’s something brewing under the surface that isn’t right. If you’ve never read Hamlet before, or your mind is as groggy as mine was, why don’t you pick up a copy for yourself and read it this weekend?

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