: The story is “Hamlet.” Act I, Scene 4: Marcellus (an officer) says “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” having just seen the ghost of Hamlet’s father, the late king of Denmark. The phrase means “things are unsatisfactory; there is something wrong.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu0Ga7XohcE
Contents
What is the meaning of something is rotten in Denmark?
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” is used to describe corruption or a situation in which something is wrong.
Why is Denmark rotten in Hamlet?
Marcellus, along with Horatio, has tried to get Hamlet not to follow the ghost but Hamlet has done it anyway. Marcellus says that something is rotten in Denmark, meaning that he does not trust that all is well — that he thinks something is wrong.
Where did the expression there is something rotten in Denmark come from?
We learn that there is something “rotten” in Denmark after old Hamlet’s death in the very first scene, as Horatio compares the natural and civil disorders that occurred in Rome at the time of Julius Caesar’s assassination to the disease that afflicts Denmark.
Why is Something is rotten in the state of Denmark important?
But ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark’ is a significant line in Hamlet because it ushers in what will become a whole array of references to rotting, decay, corruption, and festering. This language is an important aspect of the imagery of the play, and it begins with Marcellus’ line.
Is something rotten in Denmark?
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. This line is spoken by Marcellus in Act I, scene iv (67), as he and Horatio debate whether or not to follow Hamlet and the ghost into the dark night.The ghost is a visible symptom of the rottenness of Denmark created by Claudius’s crime.
Who is Bernardo Hamlet?
Marcellus, Bernardo (or Barnardo) and Francisco are sentries at Elsinore. Francisco gives up his watch to Bernardo in the opening of the play, and it is Bernardo and Marcellus, who first alert Horatio to the appearance of King Hamlet’s Ghost. Marcellus goes with Horatio to tell Hamlet about the Ghost’s appearance.
What is rotten in the state of Denmark as Marcellus tells us what do we learn about the situation in Scene 1 Scene II?
What is rotten in the state of Denmark,” as Marcellus tells us? Essentially, Hamlet is very depressed because of his fathers unexpected death.The tension is also very high between his mom and his uncle because of the new marriage between them that was so recent after his dads death.
What with my tongue in your tail?
Petruchio: What, with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again, Good Kate; I am a gentleman.”
What is rotten in the state of Denmark as Marcellus tells us quizlet?
What is “rotten in the state of Denmark,” as Marcellus tells us? The King is dead, his ghost has appeared and we also find out the Queen has married Claudius.
Which theme is portrayed in Something’s rotten in the state of Denmark?
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” Spoken by Marcellus, a palace soldier, this familiar Shakespeare line is often quoted on cable TV news. The expression implies a suspicion that someone in power is corrupt. The scent of decay is a metaphor for a breakdown in morality and social order.
What does the ghost reveal to Hamlet?
The ghost tells Hamlet that he is, in fact, the ghost of his dead father. And there’s more: the ghost claims that Claudius killed him, taking his throne and his wife in the process. He wants Hamlet to kill Claudius in revenge. Shocked, Hamlet agrees and vows to avenge his father’s death.
Who said one may smile smile and be a villain?
RALPH: What Hamlet has written down here — that one may smile and smile and be a villian — is of course referring to Claudius’ ability to hide his terrible crime — although he’s murdered the King and taken the throne, he is able to completely disguise his guilt and appear happy and morally upright in the Danish court,
Who says revenge his foul and most unnatural?
“Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder,” the Ghost instructs Hamlet, to which the loyal son replies, “Haste me to know’t, that I, with wings as swift / As meditation or the thoughts of love, / May sweep to my revenge.” The Ghost is gratified by this response: “I find thee apt,” he says, “And duller shouldst thou
Who killed King Hamlet?
Claudius
Remember that Claudius killed King Hamlet by pouring poison into his ear. Shakespeare continually illustrates that words can function as poison in the ear as well.
What is Marcellus Saying has happened in Denmark?
When Marcellus states, ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark‘ he is talking about Denmark’s relationship with Norway but on the symbolic level he is summing up Claudius’ corrupting effect on the kingdom which is intensified by his unpunished crime.
What are hamlets last words?
”The rest is silence” are the last words of Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s play by the same name. The poignant phrase has gained a life far beyond the play, often being used to comment on the conclusion of dramatic or tragic events. In context, they respond to Hamlet’s–and the play’s–preoccupation with death.
Why did Ophelia go mad?
Why does Ophelia go mad? Ophelia goes mad because her father, Polonius, whom she deeply loved, has been killed by Hamlet.The fact that this grief drives Ophelia to madness reveals her overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness, and the power that the men in Ophelia’s life wield over her.
Is Hamlet a true story?
No, Hamlet is not a true story. However, although Shakespeare’s play is fictional, parts of the tragedy were undeniably inspired by actual oral accounts of Danish history gleaned from legends and folklore.
Is Hamlet a villain?
Hamlet not only behaves villainously throughout his eponymous play, but has somehow persuaded generations of audiences and critics that he is actually its hero. That is what takes his villainy to the next level. Look at the roll call of Hamlet’s crimes.
Are Ophelia and Hamlet cousins?
Ophelia (/əˈfiːliə/) is a character in William Shakespeare’s drama Hamlet.She is a young noblewoman of Denmark, the daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes and potential wife of Prince Hamlet, who, due to Hamlet’s actions, ends up in a state of madness that ultimately leads to her drowning.
