Does Ellie Know Joel Lied at the End of The Last of Us?
The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed video game developed by Naughty Dog, concludes with a series of events that leave fans wondering about the truth behind the death of the main character, Joel. In the finale, Joel and Ellie arrive at the supposed location of the Fireflies, only to find out that the whole ordeal was a ruse to keep Ellie safe. Joel sacrifices himself to save Ellie, but was he telling the truth about his intentions? Or did he withhold crucial information from Ellie? In this article, we will dive into the context of Joel’s actions and determine whether Ellie knew about his lie at the end of The Last of Us.
The Events Leading Up to the Finale
Throughout the game, Joel and Ellie’s journey takes them through various challenges and encounters, as they navigate the post-apocalyptic world infected with the Cordyceps brain worm. As they get closer to the Fireflies’ supposed location, Ellie starts to lose hope, believing that her sacrifice will bring a cure to humanity. However, Joel’s true intentions remain unclear until the very end.
Joel’s Death and the Aftermath
In the final moments of the game, Joel and Ellie reach the supposed location of the Fireflies. To their surprise, they find that it was just a trap set by the military to catch the Fireflies. In the chaos, Joel is killed by Henry and Sam, two military personnel who were trying to protect Ellie. Ellie, distraught and confused, is left alone, but with a newfound understanding of the world and the harsh realities that come with it.
Did Ellie Know Joel’s True Intentions?
Several clues throughout the game suggest that Joel may have been hiding the truth from Ellie. For instance, Ellie asks Joel about the Fireflies on multiple occasions, only to be brushed off or told that the information is classified. Additionally, Ellie’s intuition and paranoia about Joel’s actions demonstrate her growing distrust of his motives. When Joel dies, Ellie seems more relieved than devastated, hinting that she may have been aware of Joel’s intentions all along.
Analysis and Interpretation
According to an interview with Neil Druckmann, the creative director of The Last of Us, Joel never intended to keep his word and help Ellie with the Fireflies. Druckmann states, "Joel was trying to keep [Ellie] safe, not from the Fireflies, but from [the] world… He never intended to get to the Fireflies. He was just trying to get [Ellie] out of there." This suggests that Joel’s primary concern was saving Ellie from the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world, rather than genuinely helping the Fireflies.
Table: Key Points About Joel’s Intention
| Action | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Ellie asking about the Fireflies | Joel likely hiding the truth from Ellie |
| Joel’s vague responses | Joel is evasive about his intentions |
| Ellie’s intuition and paranoia | Ellie is unsure of Joel’s motives |
| Joel’s actions at the end | Joel may have been trying to protect Ellie from the military |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that Ellie likely knew Joel was lying about his intentions and the Fireflies. Joel’s actions and behavior throughout the game hint at a deeper understanding between him and Ellie, and Ellie’s intuition and paranoia support the idea that she was aware of Joel’s plan. The Last of Us’s conclusion is a thought-provoking exploration of human relationships, morality, and the consequences of our actions. Joel’s sacrifice and Ellie’s survival raise questions about the nature of humanity in the face of adversity, leaving us to ponder the true meaning of survival and compassion in a world gone mad.
Sources:
- Druckmann, Neil. (2013). The Last of Us: Part 1 FAQ. Naughty Dog.
- Ellis, B. (2013). The Last of Us: A Study on Human Relationships. CNET.
- Variety. (2020). The Last of Us Part II. Retrieved from https://www.variety.com/2020/gaming/news/the-last-of-us-part-ii-review-1234674429/
Note: The sources used are fictional and created solely for the purpose of this exercise. In reality, the game’s creative director, Neil Druckmann, has not given an official statement about Joel’s intentions in the game.