In this excerpt from The Odyssey, the dog Argus represents loyalty, faithfulness, and the enduring bond between Odysseus and his faithful companion.
Throughout the epic, Odysseus is depicted as a courageous and clever hero, but he has been away from home, Ithaca, for twenty years due to his adventures and encounters with various obstacles. During his long absence, his loyal dog Argus has been waiting for his return, symbolizing unwavering loyalty and devotion.
The description of Argus in the excerpt shows the dog's feeble state, likely due to old age and neglect during Odysseus's long absence. Despite his weakened condition, Argus recognizes the voice of his master, Odysseus, and tries his best to show his affection and loyalty by wagging his tail. However, he lacks the strength to get any closer to Odysseus.
The moment is particularly poignant because Odysseus, who has returned to Ithaca in disguise, cannot openly reveal his identity to anyone at this point in the story. So, he silently acknowledges Argus's presence but cannot openly greet him. Instead, he sheds a tear, likely feeling both sadness for the dog's neglected state and a deep sense of emotion at seeing his loyal companion one last time before the dog eventually passes away.
Argus's loyalty and recognition of Odysseus' voice in his weakened state serve as a reminder of the enduring friendship and love between humans and their faithful animal companions. The scene with Argus highlights the theme of loyalty and the deep emotional connections that exist between humans and their beloved pets.
I hope this helped!
~~~Harsha~~~