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The Lie That Defined a World: Unpacking Joel’s Deception in The Last of Us

Joel lied to Ellie at the end of The Last of Us about the events at St. Mary’s Hospital with the Fireflies. He told her that the Fireflies had found many other immune individuals and that they were working on a cure, but that they hadn’t needed Ellie. He claimed raiders had attacked the hospital, leading to the chaos and his escape with Ellie. The truth was far more brutal: Ellie was the only immune individual, and the Fireflies were preparing to kill her to extract the Cordyceps fungus from her brain in an attempt to create a vaccine. Joel, unable to bear the thought of losing another daughter figure, slaughtered the Fireflies and rescued her, effectively destroying any potential chance for a cure. This lie, born of love and fear, became a defining act, shaping the characters’ relationship and the subsequent events of The Last of Us Part II.

The Weight of Deception

The impact of Joel’s lie resonates throughout the narrative, fueling conflict, distrust, and ultimately, tragedy. It’s not merely a white lie to spare someone’s feelings; it’s a fundamental alteration of reality, denying Ellie agency and preventing her from making her own informed decision about her fate. While Joel’s intentions were arguably noble, the consequences of his deception were far-reaching and devastating.

The Core of the Lie

The lie wasn’t just about the events in the hospital; it was about:

Ellie’s Significance: It downplayed her unique status as the only known immune person.
The Possibility of a Cure: It falsely suggested that a cure was still being pursued through other means.
Joel’s Motives: It concealed the extent to which Joel acted out of personal attachment rather than considering Ellie’s potential sacrifice for the greater good.

Why the Lie? Exploring Joel’s Justification

Understanding Joel’s motivations is crucial to grasping the complexities of his character. The loss of his daughter, Sarah, deeply scarred him, creating a paternal instinct that resurfaced with Ellie.

Fear of Loss

Joel’s primary driver was the fear of losing Ellie. He had already experienced the unbearable pain of losing a daughter, and the prospect of Ellie sacrificing herself triggered a primal need to protect her, regardless of the cost to humanity.

Selfishness vs. Love

While the act can be seen as inherently selfish, it’s intertwined with deep love and a desperate attempt to create a semblance of family in a broken world. Joel’s actions raise a moral question: can love justify such a significant deception that impacts not only the individual but also the potential future of humanity?

The Moral Gray Area

The Last of Us thrives in moral ambiguity. There are no clear heroes or villains, only characters grappling with difficult choices in a brutal environment. Joel’s lie embodies this gray area, forcing players to confront their own values and consider what they might do in similar circumstances.

The Fallout: Consequences and Repercussions

The immediate effect of the lie is a fragile peace. Ellie, initially unaware of the truth, lives with a sense of normalcy, at least for a time. However, the lie eventually unravels, leading to a profound rift between Joel and Ellie.

Distrust and Betrayal

When Ellie learns the truth, she feels betrayed and robbed of her agency. The foundation of their relationship, built on trust and mutual respect, crumbles.

The Unforgivable Act?

Ellie struggles to reconcile Joel’s love for her with the devastating consequences of his actions. Can she forgive him for lying? Can she accept that his love led him to make such a selfish and impactful decision?

Fuel for Revenge

In The Last of Us Part II, Joel’s actions become a catalyst for the plot as the consequences of his actions come to light. Ellie grapples with the guilt that comes with Joel’s deception, which has led to his death.

FAQs: Unpacking the Layers of Joel’s Deception

Here are some frequently asked questions about Joel’s lie and its implications:

Why did Joel tell Ellie about his scar? Revealing the self-inflicted wound indicated a willingness to be vulnerable and share his past trauma with Ellie, signifying a deepening bond and trust.
Did Joel treat Ellie like a daughter? Over time, Joel developed genuine paternal feelings for Ellie, stemming from the void left by Sarah’s death. This is reflected in his protectiveness and use of terms of endearment like “baby girl.”
Is Ellie in love with Joel? The relationship between Ellie and Joel is complex and multifaceted. While not romantic, their bond evolved into a deep, familial love, built on shared experiences and mutual dependence.
Was Joel telling Ellie the truth about the raiders? Joel was not truthful about raiders attacking, he was the one who slaughtered multiple Fireflies to save Ellie.
Can Ellie spread the virus? There is no evidence to suggest that Ellie can spread the Cordyceps infection. Her immunity seems to prevent her from being a carrier.
What did Ellie not forgive Joel for? Ellie struggled to forgive Joel for lying to her and depriving her of the choice to sacrifice herself for the potential cure.
Does Joel love Ellie more than Sarah? This is subjective and impossible to quantify. Joel’s love for Sarah was foundational, shaped by a father-daughter relationship. His love for Ellie was born from grief and a shared survival experience.
Was Joel in love with Tess? The nature of Joel and Tess’s relationship is ambiguous. While they clearly cared for each other, whether it was romantic is left open to interpretation.
Is Ellie the only immune person? As far as anyone knows, Ellie is the only immune person.
Was Joel Selfish saving Ellie? Many would deem Joel’s actions selfish. The actor who played Joel, Troy Baker, has condemned the character’s actions in the ending of the first game as “the most selfish act ever.”
What happens to Ellie after Joel dies? After Joel’s death, Ellie embarks on a quest for revenge against Abby, the one responsible.
Who was Ellie in love with? Ellie is openly a lesbian and in the Left Behind DLC she is confirmed to be romantically involved with Riley.
Who is Joel’s girlfriend in The Last of Us? Esther is a minor character mentioned in The Last of Us: One Night Live.
When did Joel realize he loved Ellie? Joel started to become more caring for Ellie when he realized that he would be the one to take her to the Fireflies.
Why does Joel clutch his chest? Joel’s chest clutching is indicative of panic attacks that were seen in the episode “Kin.”

A Legacy of Lies and Love

Joel’s lie is not simply a plot device; it is a thematic cornerstone of The Last of Us. It explores the complexities of love, loss, and the moral compromises we make in the face of unimaginable adversity. The consequences of this single act reverberate throughout the narrative, shaping the characters’ destinies and forcing players to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. The story shows that even when well intended, deception is not justified.

Explore the complex world of game narratives and character development further with resources from the Games Learning Society and consider how these themes resonate in our broader cultural landscape. You can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.

What did Joel lied about Ellie?