In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the quote illustrates the interconnectedness of life and the cyclical nature of existence. It implies that even a humble fisherman can capture a fish that has consumed a worm that has fed on a king’s remains. This highlights the idea that status and power do not shield an individual from the inevitable process of decay and mortality common to all beings.

This thought-provoking analogy serves to remind us that regardless of one's position in life, we are all part of the same natural order. The line suggests that the nobility, represented by the king, and the common man are ultimately linked through the food chain, emphasizing the theme of equality in death that runs throughout the play.