In this passage from "The Odyssey," Argus functions as a symbol. Argus represents loyalty and the passage of time, as he waits for his master, Odysseus, for twenty years despite being neglected and in a deteriorated state. His response to Odysseus's presence, even in his weakened condition, symbolizes the enduring bond between a pet and its owner, and his death after seeing Odysseus underscores themes of loyalty, loss, and the effects of time.
an old hound, lying near, pricked up his ears
and lifted up his muzzle. This was Argus,
trained as a puppy by Odysseus,
but never taken on a hunt before
his master sailed for Troy. . . .
Abandoned there, and half destroyed with flies, old Argus lay.
But when he knew he heard
Odysseus' voice nearby, he did his best to wag his tail, nose down, with flattened ears, having no strength to move nearer his master. . . but death and darkness in that instant closed the eyes of Argus, who had seen his master, Odysseus, after twenty years.
–The Odyssey,
Homer
Who or what functions as a symbol in this passage?
flies
Troy
Odysseus
Argus
1 answer
1 answer