Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark Examples

This phrase, "something is rotten in the state of Denmark," comes from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In Act I, Scene IV, Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus see the ghost of Hamlet's father. The ghost beckons Hamlet to follow him, and Hamlet goes-against the advice and pleading of Horatio and Marcellus. After he leaves, they discuss following him, and Marcellus utters these words, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

What Marcellus means is that something has occurred in Denmark that is nefarious. Marcellus is a guard, while Hamlet is a prince, but Marcellus recognizes that everything is not as it should be in the political monarchy. Many find significance in the fact that Marcellus-who is of lower class-is able to recognize the corruption in the ruling class and the effect that it will have on Denmark as a state.

After the death of Hamlet's father, his uncle Claudius quickly marries Queen Gertrude. This causes Hamlet to be outraged, and it is evidence that something is indeed "rotten" in Denmark. There is treachery in the royal household.

The phrase "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" is used quite often today to refer to "dirty politics." When corruption is apparent, this phrase is often used to refer to the "rotten" circumstances.

In today's political climate in the United States, many might say "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" when referring to political happenings. There is an ongoing investigation into potential involvement of Russia in the 2016 presidential election. In addition, there are ongoing questions about whether or not Hillary Clinton's emails were "hacked" while she was the Secretary of State. Finally, some political commentators would say that there are mysterious deaths associated with those who speak out against or oppose the Clintons. Many political commentators, on both sides, might say that "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" when referring to Washington, D.C.