This is one of the most famous lines in Shakespeare's work. <em> "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark "</em> refers both to the spiritual and political corruption in Denmark. The new king, Claudius, obtained the throne by murdering his brother. Moreover, he is in incestuous marriage with Gertrude. The king is obviously more concerned with keeping the plot against his brother a secret, than actually ruling the country. Hamlet himself makes a similar remark in Act I, Scene II, comparing his country to a neglected garden: <em>"Tis an unweeded garden." </em>
A possible disadvantage to hearing this scene as opposed to reading it silently is the Mrs. Hale may not be present and can be misinterpreted incorrectly.
