Why does Ellie end up hating Joel?

Why Does Ellie End Up Hating Joel?

The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed video game, tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world where a mutated fungus, Cordyceps, has devastated humanity. The game follows the journey of Joel, a survivor, and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to finding a cure for the fungal infection. Throughout the game, Ellie’s relationship with Joel is complex and multifaceted, ultimately leading to a deep-seated hatred towards him. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Ellie’s hatred towards Joel.

The Initial Bond

Ellie and Joel’s relationship begins with a bond of trust and dependence. Joel is tasked with escorting Ellie across the United States to a supposed safe haven, where she may be able to find a cure for the fungal infection. Along the way, they form a strong emotional connection, with Joel becoming a father figure to Ellie. Ellie, in turn, provides a sense of purpose and hope for Joel, who has lost his daughter in the early days of the outbreak.

The Truth Revealed

However, as they near their destination, Ellie begins to realize that Joel has been keeping a crucial secret from her. He had killed the Fireflies’ leader, Marlene, and prevented Ellie from being used as a test subject to create a cure. This revelation shatters Ellie’s trust in Joel, and she begins to feel betrayed and manipulated.

Joel’s Motivations

Joel’s motivations for killing Marlene and stopping the cure were rooted in his own emotional baggage. He had lost his daughter, Sarah, in the early days of the outbreak, and the thought of losing Ellie, who had become like a daughter to him, was unbearable. Joel’s actions were driven by a desire to protect Ellie, rather than selfishly wanting to keep her for himself.

Ellie’s Reaction

Ellie’s reaction to the truth is intense and visceral. She feels betrayed, manipulated, and used. She had been led to believe that she was being taken to a safe haven to find a cure, but in reality, she was being kept from her purpose. Ellie’s feelings of anger, hurt, and resentment towards Joel are understandable, given the circumstances.

The Consequences of Joel’s Actions

Joel’s actions had far-reaching consequences, not only for Ellie but also for the entire world. By stopping the cure, Joel ensured that the fungal infection would continue to spread, condemning humanity to a life of suffering and scarcity. Ellie’s hatred towards Joel is a direct result of his actions, which she sees as selfish and short-sighted.

The Legacy of Joel’s Actions

The legacy of Joel’s actions is one of regret, guilt, and shame. Joel’s desire to protect Ellie ultimately led to the continuation of the fungal infection, which will continue to plague humanity for generations to come. Ellie’s hatred towards Joel serves as a reminder of the consequences of his actions and the importance of making difficult choices.

Conclusion

Ellie’s hatred towards Joel is a complex and multifaceted issue, driven by a combination of factors, including betrayal, manipulation, and the consequences of Joel’s actions. Joel’s motivations, though rooted in a desire to protect Ellie, ultimately led to a chain of events that had far-reaching and devastating consequences. The game’s narrative serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition, highlighting the importance of making difficult choices and accepting the consequences of our actions.

Table: Joel’s Motivations

Bullet Points: Consequences of Joel’s Actions

• The fungal infection continues to spread, condemning humanity to a life of suffering and scarcity
• Ellie’s hatred towards Joel is a direct result of his actions
• The legacy of Joel’s actions is one of regret, guilt, and shame
• The consequences of Joel’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of making difficult choices