What was Abby’s Problem with Joel?
Abby, the protagonist of The Last of Us Part II, has a long-standing problem with Joel, the main character of the first game. Her grievance with Joel stems from a traumatic event in their past, which has haunted her for years. To understand the depth of her anger and resentment, we need to delve into their complicated history.
Abby’s Father: Jerry
Abby’s problem with Joel begins with the death of her father, Jerry. Joel, the protagonist of the first game, had a significant impact on Jerry’s life, leading to his demise. Abby’s sense of loss and grief intensify her hatred towards Joel. The trauma caused by Joel’s actions festers within her, resulting in a strong animosity that drives her to seek revenge.
The Firefly Base Incident
The primary incident that led to the rift between Abby and Joel is the Firefly base massacre. Joel, determined to save Ellie, raided the Firefly base to eliminate any threats to their survival. In the ensuing chaos, Jerry was killed by Joel, sparking a deep-seated sense of betrayal and anger in Abby. This event marks the beginning of Abby’s vendetta against Joel, fueling her desire for revenge.
Abby’s Backstory
Before the events of The Last of Us Part II, Abby was a dedicated member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Her involvement with the resistance group stemmed from her family’s connections to the early days of the outbreak. Abby’s dedication to the WLF stemmed from her desire to overthrow the oppressive government and avenge her father’s death.
Joel’s Death
Abby’s anger and resentment reached a boiling point when Joel, now an older and worn-out individual, showed up at the WLF’s hideout. This encounter triggered a series of events that led to a brutal confrontation between Abby and Joel. In the end, Abby killed Joel, ending his life, and thus fulfilling her lifelong desire for revenge.
Ellie’s Role in the Confrontation
Ellie, Joel’s adopted daughter and the central character of the first game, played a crucial role in the events leading up to Joel’s death. Ellie’s bond with Joel and her sense of duty to avenge his murder drove her to confront Abby. Ellie’s presence at the hideout forced Abby to confront the demons of her past, ultimately leading to Joel’s demise.
Subconscious Motivations
Abby’s actions towards Joel were driven by subconscious motivations, which stemmed from her unresolved emotional trauma. Her desire for revenge was rooted in the deep-seated pain caused by her father’s death and the perceived betrayal by Joel. Abby’s subconscious was seeking retribution for the emotional anguish she experienced, which is why she ultimately killed Joel.
Conclusion
Abby’s problem with Joel was rooted in the unresolved trauma of her past and the perceived betrayal by her father’s killer. Her life was marked by a quest for revenge, which led her to confront Joel. Abby’s emotional journey is a testament to the destructive power of unchecked emotions and the devastating impact of unresolved trauma.
Table: Key Points
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Abby’s Problem | Rooted in trauma caused by father’s death and perceived betrayal |
| Firefly Base Incident | Led to Jerry’s death, sparking Abby’s vendetta against Joel |
| WLF Involvement | Abby joined to overthrow the government and avenge her father’s death |
| Joel’s Death | Abby killed Joel, ending his life and fulfilling her lifelong desire for revenge |
References
- Mazin, Craig. The Last of Us: American Dreams. ComicsBeat.com. August 26, 2013. https://www.comicsbeat.com/2013/08/26/the-last-of-us-american-dreams
- The Last of Us Part II. TLOU2: Developer Diary 2. YouTube. February 9, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rb9XbS_UMI