Exploring the Choice Joel Made in The Last of Us

16 Aug 2024

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The ending of The Last of Us remains one of the most debated moments in video game history. Joel's decision to save Ellie, effectively dooming humanity's chance at a cure, sparks complex emotions and ethical questions. This article explores the hypothetical scenario: What if Joel had made the opposite choice? What if he had let Ellie die?

The impact of Joel's choice ripples through the entire narrative, shaping our understanding of his character and the world around him. By choosing Ellie's life over a potential cure, Joel affirms his paternal love for her, but also commits a selfish act with global consequences. To imagine a different path, where Joel prioritizes the greater good, fundamentally alters the story's core.

Had Joel allowed the Fireflies to proceed with the surgery, the outcome would have been drastically different. While a cure was not guaranteed, the possibility existed. This potential, however slim, hangs heavy over Joel’s decision, leaving players and critics to ponder the "what ifs." The potential consequences of sacrificing Ellie for a cure become the crux of this moral dilemma.

The narrative weight of Joel's actions extends beyond the game's ending. It informs the sequel, The Last of Us Part II, and colors the player's perspective on Joel's character. By examining the alternative – Joel sacrificing Ellie – we can better appreciate the gravity of his original choice and its profound implications for the narrative's future.

This exploration isn't about judging Joel's decision as right or wrong. It's about understanding the multifaceted nature of the dilemma he faced. Considering the possibility of Ellie's sacrifice allows for a deeper examination of the themes of survival, love, and the price of hope in a post-apocalyptic world.

Joel's choice reflects the brutal realities of the game's setting. Resources are scarce, trust is fragile, and survival often comes at a cost. In this context, Joel's decision, however controversial, becomes understandable, even if not entirely agreeable. This adds depth to the story's exploration of human nature and morality in dire circumstances.

Considering a different ending where Ellie is sacrificed begs the question: would the cure even have been developed successfully? The Fireflies were a fractured organization, and their methods were often questionable. There's no guarantee they could have replicated Ellie's immunity into a viable vaccine.

One potential outcome of Ellie's sacrifice could be a divided world. Those who knew of her sacrifice might revere her as a martyr, while others, unaware of her role, might continue to struggle in the face of the infection. This ambiguity further complicates the moral calculus of Joel's choice.

Another possible outcome is the Fireflies’ collapse. Without Ellie, their reason for being might evaporate, leaving them vulnerable to other factions. The world, already broken, might descend into further chaos.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Joel Letting Ellie Die

Advantages	Disadvantages
Potential for a cure for the Cordyceps Brain Infection.	Guaranteed death of Ellie, a young girl with immunity.
Possible hope for the future of humanity.	Uncertainty about the Fireflies' ability to create a viable cure.

Ultimately, the "what if" scenario regarding Joel's decision forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the difficult choices we face in times of crisis. It’s a testament to the game’s narrative power that this debate continues years after its release.

The moral quandary at the heart of The Last of Us compels us to grapple with complex questions about love, sacrifice, and the future of humanity. Joel's choice, whether we agree with it or not, highlights the enduring power of human connection and the lengths we will go to protect those we love. By exploring the hypothetical scenario of Joel letting Ellie die, we gain a richer understanding of the narrative’s themes and the difficult choices that shape our world, both real and fictional.