The theme that these lines support is loyalty and fidelity are precious traits.
This excerpt presents Odysseus's dog, Argos, who waits for his master to return home for more than 20 years and, unlike his friend Eumaneus, recognizes Odysseus at once, even though he is in disguise. This shows that, although many years have passed, Argos has remained loyal to his master. However, when he sees him, he is not capable of greeting Odysseus because he is too sick and old. Moreover, Odysseus does not greet the dog either in order for people not to realize who he truly is.
