What does the dog symbolize in the Odyssey?

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Surname 3 The dog Argos is an important symbolism of the Odyssey. It represents Odysseus himself, it is a symbol of loyalty, indicates the conditions in Ithaca, and shows how men are manipulated by gods and a symbol of peace on its death.



Subsequently, one may also ask, how does Argos symbolize Ithaca?

Argos symbolizes Ithaca because he too like Ithaca has gone through many changes and been treated so poorly that he is now old, unrecognizable, and neglected since Odysseus his master left.

Likewise, how did Odysseus feel about seeing his old dog? Odysseus feels bad about what became of his dog and he hides his tear to keep it together and not seem weak. Briefly summarize what Eumaeus says happened to the dog and his owner.

Also know, what happened Odysseus dog?

The dog recognizes his master, thumps his tail, but is too weak to move toward him. Odysseus, too, recognizes his dog but knows he cannot show it. He turns away to hide a tear as the old dog dies. At the great hall of the palace, Odysseus has more need for judgment, prudence, and restraint.

What are some symbols in the Odyssey?

The Odyssey Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

  • Odysseus' bow (symbol) The mighty bow of Odysseus, which only he can string, is a symbol of his rightful place as king of Ithaca and husband of Penelope.
  • Odysseus' dog, Argos (symbol)
  • Hospitality (motif)
  • The Transfiguration of Odysseus' men by Circe (allegory)
  • The final journey of Odysseus (symbol)

39 Related Question Answers Found

What do Penelope's actions reveal about her?

The bull represents Odysseus and reminds the audience that he is preparing to take his home and his family. Lines 16-23: What do Penelope's actions here reveal about her. They may fear that the ones of the suitors will win the contest, they do not think any of them worthy to take odysseus place.

What is significant about Odysseus encounter with Argos?

As Odysseus approaches his home, he finds Argos lying neglected on a pile of cow manure, infested with fleas, old and very tired. This is a sharp contrast to the dog Odysseus left behind; Argos used to be known for his speed and strength and his superior tracking skills.

How was Argos loyal to Odysseus?

Argos was loyal to Odysseus by waiting twenty years for Odysseus to return, even though most had presumed he was dead. He was the first to recognize Odysseus when he returned from the Trojan War, even though Odysseus was disguised as a beggar. Argos would only die after he had seen his master once more.

What does Argos mean in Greek?

Argos (plural Argoses) A city in the Peloponnese, Greece. (Greek mythology) The dog of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey. A town in Indiana; named for the city in Greece.

How does Odysseus describe Penelope's attitude toward him?


How does Odysseus react to Penelope's attitude toward him? Odysseus tells Telemachus to move the armor so the suitors will not have access to it. When the suitors begin to fight, they have no weapons.

Why does Odysseus invoke the name of Apollo?

Invokes Apollo's name because he is the God of Archery. His strategy is he is going to try and take out the leader. Also, trying to establish his power to the suitors.

What is the meaning of the death of Argos Odysseus old hunting dog?

Men would hunt wild goats and rabbits with their dogs. Argos lived outside of Odysseus palace on a heap of manure. Odysseus tells Eumaeus that its is strange that this dog does not have strength or speed and out here lying in a pile of dung. Eumaeus replies that Argos belonged to a man who died a long time ago at Troy.

How might Argos the dog be symbolic of the hero Odysseus?

Surname 3 The dog Argos is an important symbolism of the Odyssey. It represents Odysseus himself, it is a symbol of loyalty, indicates the conditions in Ithaca, and shows how men are manipulated by gods and a symbol of peace on its death.

How does Odysseus die?

Having come to Ithaca, he drove away some of the cattle, and when Odysseus defended them, Telegonus 3 wounded him with the spear he had in his hands, which was barbed with the spine of a stingray, and Odysseus died of the wound. But others say that Odysseus died of Old Age, as Tiresias predicted.

Does Odysseus have a dog?


Argos (dog) In Homer's the Odyssey, Argos is Odysseus' faithful dog. After twenty years struggling to get home to Ithaca, Odysseus finally arrives on his homeland. In his absence, reckless suitors have taken over his house in hopes of marrying his wife Penelope.

Who is the first person to recognize Odysseus?

The first human to recognize the disguised Odysseus is Eurycleia, an old nurse. She recognizes him by a scar on his leg.

Does eumaeus recognize Odysseus?

Although he does not recognize his old master – Odysseus is in disguise – and has his misgivings, Eumaeus treats Odysseus well, offering food and shelter to one whom he thinks is simply a pauper.

Who throws a stool at Odysseus?

When Odysseus answers insult with insult, Antinous gives him a blow with a stool that disgusts even the other suitors. Report of this cruelty reaches Penelope, who asks to have the beggar brought to her so that she can question him about Odysseus.

What does Argus reveal about Odysseus?


What does the section titled "Argus" reveal about Odysseus? He is disappointed of his return because his kingdom is being taken over and everyone believes that he is dead.

What happens after Argus sees Odysseus?

Loyal to the End:
He was there when Odysseus left for the Trojan War. Since that day, Argus has patiently awaited the return of Odysseus. He was kicked out of Odysseus' home and forced to fend for himself on the streets. When he sees Odysseus, he is a shadow of his former self.