g. the garden) is sullied. This quote represents not only the moral corruption of King Claudius but of his whole kingdom due to his failure in being a positive leader.
As it is evident that moral corruption exists in Denmark in Act I, the unease of social corruption and decay occurs as the other European countries frown upon the state of Denmark and of the reputation that King Claudius has caused them to have. Claudius is infamous for his excessive, loud and boisterous drinking in front of an audience and often mortifies himself in front of them. Hamlet communicates a strong concern for the reputation of the country as he becomes aware of the impression that the other European countries have about Denmark. When speaking with Marcellus and Horatio, Hamlet says, "This heavy-headed revel east and west makes us traduc"d and tax"d of other nations- they clepe us drunkards, and with swinish phrase soil our addition;" (I. iv. l. 17-20). Hamlet is infuriated that Denmark has left such a dreadful impression on the other countries that Hamlet insists that their desecrated reputation is due to their leader, King Claudius. King Claudius's childish and irresponsible drunken actions have lead Denmark to be looked upon in a negative light and because of the King's deeds he has set the stone for a depreciating relationship with the European countries.
In connection, Hamlet later speaks of a person's ability (namely King Claudius's ability) to cause damage and shame to a whole kingdom single-handedly. "His virtues else, be they as pure as grace, as infinite as man may undergo, shall in the general censure take corruption from that particular fault." (I. iv. l. 33-36) Hamlet says that although King Claudius may seem to be virtuous and a good leader, he is not as he has individually caused the decline of the kingdom due to his irresponsibility and poor judgments as their leader which is a key reason for the corruption in the kingdom.