Why does Marcellus say “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (1494)?

Explanation:

Marcellus utters the famous line “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” in play Hamlet (Act I, Scene IV, line 90) as a reflection of the pervasive sense of corruption and moral decay that he perceives within the Danish kingdom. The remark serves as a metaphorical expression of his belief that there are underlying issues and hidden agendas at play, suggesting that all is not well in the political and social fabric of Denmark.