In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the phrase "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" is spoken by the character Marcellus and refers to the corruption and decay that have taken hold in the kingdom. The phrase has become a common idiom, used to describe situations where there is something wrong or corrupt within a system or organization.
In the play, the corruption in Denmark is exemplified by the character of Claudius, who has murdered his brother and seized the throne, and the character of Polonius, who is scheming and manipulative. These characters represent the corrupt and deceitful elements within the government, and their actions contribute to the unrest and instability in the kingdom.
However, the corruption in Denmark is not limited to just these two characters. The entire court is filled with scheming, manipulative individuals who are more concerned with their own interests than the welfare of the kingdom. The court is a place of lies and deception, where people are more concerned with appearances than with honesty and integrity.
This corruption extends beyond the court and into the broader society as well. The people of Denmark are disillusioned and disaffected, and there is a general sense of malaise and despair. This is in part due to the corruption and instability within the government, but it is also a result of the broader social and economic issues facing the kingdom.
Overall, the state of Denmark is rotten because it is marked by corruption, deceit, and a lack of integrity. These issues have contributed to a general sense of unrest and instability, and have made it difficult for the kingdom to thrive. While the specific problems facing Denmark in Shakespeare's play are unique to that time and place, the phrase "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" can be applied to any situation where corruption and decay have taken hold, whether in a government, an organization, or a society at large.
Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark Meaning
The line comes from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Where did this idea come from? Something is seriously amiss; there is a smell of corruption. There's a reason he says "state of Denmark" rather than just Denmark: the fish is rotting from the head downâall is not well at the top of the political hierarchy. Many political commentators, on both sides, might say that "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" when referring to Washington, D. The reason of saying this is just not that Denmark is facing dirt. We also learn a little bit about some problems with young Fortinbras and Norway that will come into play later. Peter Townley, West Ryde Because you can have your cake, and eat it too.
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Jen Li, Winston Hills It is easy to eat a piece of cake. Still, he knows that if the elite or corruption, a state ceases to exist. The release of odours by atmospheric moisture is a common phenomenon and it is noticeable in the rancid odour of wet woollen garments on crowded public transport during wet weather or in the redolence of gardens and foliage wet from dew or brief rain. Marcellus is a guard, while Hamlet is a prince, but Marcellus recognizes that everything is not as it should be in the political monarchy. A piece of cake is extremely easy to eat! Political corruption is a major theme in the play. The underlying notion of decomposition through double entendre insinuates that there is corruption within Denmark.
Rotten In The State Of Denmark Essay Example (600 Words)
Marcellus says that something is rotten in Denmark, meaning that he does not trust that all is well -- that he thinks something is wrong. My street, a cul de sac, is numbered sequentially down one side to the end, continuing back to the start. The country has been run by the liberals Venstre and their high-profile Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen since 2001; they won an unprecedented third term last November. Polonius is an obviously corrupt character. Claudius is the centre of corruption in the kingdom and in the play, though. Horatio: Heaven will direct it.
HE FOUND SOMETHING ROTTEN IN DENMARK THE STATE OF THE ENGLISH DEFENCE crossword
The spirit beckons Hamlet offstage, and the frenzied prince follows after, ordering the witnesses to stay put. John Moir, Mollymook Who said you have to make the cake? John Moir, Mollymook Why is something easy "a piece of cake", when cake is not easy to make? This phrase, "something is rotten in the state of Denmark," comes from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. It perfectly fits for a corrupt leader, ruler or political party in a country. Aidan Wilson, Mosman Maybe it was a Danish blue. By making the comparison to dust, he proves that he believes humanity to have rotted, thus illustrating that the kingdom is decaying as its people are by a sense of morality and order.
What is rotten in the state of Denmark? Hamlet
When his father's ghost tells him his chilling tale in scene 5, the prince will realize just how rotten things really are in Denmark. So "a piece of cake" came to describe any activity that can be completed, or problem that can be solved, easily, quickly and satisfactorily. And here we have the famous line. Walter Pike, Kiama Making a cake may be tough though the result's usually a joy. Peter Frylink, Umina Beach No. Relatively, Claudius symbolizes corruption, trickery, and deception. His comment also alludes to Denmark's corrupt ruling class and unjust administration.
The Meaning and Origins of âSomething Is Rotten in the State of Denmarkâ?
The condition prevailing in Denmark are highly intriguing and confusing. It is not part of the coalition but supports the government from the outside. Images of corruption- decay, rotting, disease â proliferate throughout the text. Personally I think it's the cheese, for which I've long been very grateful: a little Danish Blue Vein, anyone? It is found abundantly in literature, politics, courts, media and everyday life specifically when referring to a dirty politics. He has a courteous, long-winded, comical manner but with a nastiness running shallowly beneath the surface.
