The Scar Left Behind: Life After Joel’s Death in The Last of Us
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Joel’s brutal demise at the beginning of The Last of Us Part II serves as the catalyst for the game’s complex and often divisive narrative. After Joel dies, Ellie embarks on a relentless quest for revenge against Abby, the woman who murdered him. This journey of vengeance consumes Ellie, taking her and her partner Dina across a ravaged landscape to Seattle, where they confront Abby and her group. The quest takes a devastating toll on Ellie’s physical and mental well-being and also on her relationships. The narrative explores themes of grief, trauma, and the cyclical nature of violence, ultimately leading Ellie to a point of reckoning where she must decide whether to continue the destructive cycle or find a path towards healing and forgiveness. In the end, she spares Abby, finally beginning to process her grief and loss.
The Immediate Aftermath: Grief and a Thirst for Revenge
Following Joel’s death, Ellie is understandably devastated. The man who had become her surrogate father figure, her protector, and her only real family is gone in a sudden and violent act. This loss triggers a profound sense of grief and anger, which quickly transforms into an all-consuming desire for revenge. She is determined to make Abby pay for what she has done.
Dina, Ellie’s girlfriend, and Jesse, a close friend, accompany her on this dangerous journey, providing support (and, at times, attempting to dissuade her from her increasingly reckless behavior). They leave the relative safety of Jackson, Wyoming, and head to Seattle, the last known location of Abby and her group, the Washington Liberation Front (WLF).
Seattle: A City of Conflict and Confrontation
Seattle is a warzone, torn apart by the conflict between the WLF and the Seraphites (also known as Scars), a religious cult. Ellie and Dina find themselves navigating this dangerous landscape, tracking down members of Abby’s group one by one. Each encounter is brutal and emotionally taxing, adding to the already immense weight Ellie carries.
As Ellie gets closer to Abby, she learns more about her and her motivations. She discovers that Abby is the daughter of the Firefly surgeon Joel killed in the hospital at the end of the first game to save Ellie, fueling her revenge. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, forcing players (and Ellie herself) to confront the moral ambiguity of Joel’s actions and the consequences that ripple outward.
The Showdown and the Cycle of Violence
The inevitable confrontation between Ellie and Abby is violent and emotionally charged. Both women are driven by grief and a desire for retribution. After a brutal fight, Ellie manages to subdue Abby, but ultimately chooses to spare her life. This decision is a pivotal moment for Ellie, signifying a break in the cycle of violence and a step towards healing.
Aftermath of the Aftermath: Reconciliation and Moving Forward
After this encounter, Ellie returns to her home in Jackson, only to find that Dina and their baby, JJ, are gone. She then finds her farmstead abandoned. She eventually finds her studio of music and painting and begins to reconcile her old life again. While the ending is ambiguous, it suggests that Ellie is beginning to find peace and move on from the trauma of Joel’s death. She returns to Joel’s old house and plays the guitar, a poignant reminder of the bond they shared. While the pain will always be present, she is finally able to confront it without letting it consume her.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Impact of Joel’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions about the lasting impact of Joel’s death in The Last of Us Part II:
What specific actions did Joel take in The Last of Us ending that led to Abby’s motive for revenge?
In the first game’s climax, Joel stormed into the Firefly hospital, killed numerous members of the organization, including Abby’s father (the lead surgeon), and rescued an unconscious Ellie. He prevented the Fireflies from attempting to create a cure from Ellie’s immunity, an operation that would have killed her.
Does Joel ever tell Ellie the complete truth about what happened at the hospital?
Yes, eventually. Under increasing pressure from Ellie, Joel reveals that he killed the Firefly doctors and that a cure was not possible. This admission devastates Ellie, causing a deep rift in their relationship.
Did Ellie ever truly forgive Joel before his death?
This is one of the most painful aspects of the game. Joel was killed before Ellie could fully forgive him. This unresolved conflict fuels her initial need for revenge but ultimately contributes to her decision to spare Abby.
Why did Ellie ultimately decide to spare Abby’s life?
Several factors contributed to Ellie’s decision. Confronting Abby, who was severely weakened and emotionally broken, humanized her in Ellie’s eyes. Moreover, during the final fight, Ellie had a flashback of Joel, reminding her of their bond and the pain she would inflict on herself by perpetuating the cycle of violence. She realized that killing Abby wouldn’t bring Joel back or ease her suffering.
What happens to Dina and JJ after Ellie leaves for Seattle?
After Ellie abandons the farmstead, Dina leaves with JJ. Dina recognizes that Ellie is unable to be happy with Dina and JJ when she is so haunted by her experience.
Does Ellie ever see Dina and JJ again?
That is not clear. The end of the game does not offer closure to Ellie’s relationship with Dina and JJ.
Is there a Last of Us Part 3 planned, and how might it deal with the aftermath of Joel’s death?
While Naughty Dog has expressed openness to developing The Last of Us Part III, it is not currently in active development. Should a sequel be made, it would likely explore the long-term consequences of Ellie’s choices, potentially focusing on her attempts to rebuild her life and reconcile with her past. The HBO series’ adaptation may influence the direction of a potential Part III.
What is the significance of Ellie returning to Joel’s house at the end of The Last of Us Part II?
Ellie returning to Joel’s house, picking up his guitar, and attempting to play is a powerful symbol of her attempting to come to terms with her grief and honor his memory. It shows her making a conscious effort to remember the good times and rebuild her life after the trauma she has experienced.
What mental health challenges does Ellie face in the wake of Joel’s death?
Ellie struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grief, depression, and survivor’s guilt. She has frequent flashbacks of Joel’s death and is plagued by the weight of her actions and the violence she has committed.
How does Joel’s death affect Tommy, and what role does he play in the story after it happens?
Tommy is equally devastated by Joel’s death and becomes consumed by a desire for revenge. He plays a significant role in encouraging Ellie to track down Abby and initially accompanies her on her journey. However, his relentless pursuit takes a toll on him physically and mentally, ultimately leading to a strained relationship with Ellie.
How does the game portray the cyclical nature of violence, and how does Joel’s death contribute to this theme?
The Last of Us Part II emphasizes the destructive and self-perpetuating nature of violence. Joel’s actions in the first game set in motion a chain of events that ultimately lead to his own death and fuel Ellie’s quest for revenge, demonstrating how violence begets violence.
What is the significance of Ellie’s immunity in the story after Joel’s death? Is there still hope for a cure?
Ellie’s immunity becomes a less central focus in The Last of Us Part II, but it still remains a significant aspect of her identity. The game does not offer a definitive answer on whether a cure is still possible, leaving the question open for interpretation.
Does Ellie ever find peace or closure after the events of The Last of Us Part II?
The ending is deliberately ambiguous, but it suggests that Ellie is beginning to find a path towards healing and acceptance. By sparing Abby, she breaks the cycle of violence and takes a crucial step towards moving on from her trauma. However, the scars of Joel’s death will likely remain with her forever.
How does the relationship between Ellie and Joel evolve throughout the first game and up to the point of his death in Part II?
In the first game, Ellie and Joel’s relationship evolves from a transactional arrangement to a deep, familial bond. Joel becomes Ellie’s protector and surrogate father figure. However, their relationship is strained by Joel’s decision at the end of the first game, which creates a lasting tension that is never fully resolved before his death.
How does The Last of Us Part II explore the themes of forgiveness and redemption?
The game explores the complexities of forgiveness and redemption through the characters of Ellie and Abby. Both women are forced to confront their past actions and make difficult choices about whether to continue down a path of vengeance or find a way to move forward. Ultimately, Ellie’s decision to spare Abby suggests the possibility of redemption, even in the face of immense pain and loss.
The characters in The Last of Us universe are complicated and not always likeable, but the themes of the game can teach us so much about human relationships, even in our current times. The Games Learning Society fosters better understanding of how games can improve our everyday lives. To learn more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.