Why Did JoelIn The Last Of Us
The Moral Ambiguity of Joel’s Choice in: A Critical Investigation Naughty Dog’s (2013) is a landmark in narrative-driven gaming, praised for its emotional depth and moral complexity.
The story follows Joel, a hardened survivor in a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by a fungal pandemic, as he escorts Ellie, a teenage girl immune to the infection, across the country.
The game’s climax presents a harrowing dilemma: the Fireflies, a rebel group, plan to dissect Ellie’s brain to develop a cure without her consent.
Joel, unwilling to lose another “daughter” after the death of his own child, massacres the Fireflies and rescues Ellie, lying to her about the events.
This decision has sparked fierce debate among players, critics, and scholars.
Was Joel justified in his actions, or did he doom humanity for personal attachment? This investigative essay critically examines the ethical, psychological, and narrative implications of Joel’s choice, drawing on philosophical discourse, psychological research, and narrative analysis.
Thesis Statement Joel’s decision to save Ellie was not merely an act of selfishness, but a morally ambiguous response shaped by trauma, distrust in institutions, and the game’s broader critique of utilitarian ethics.
However, his deception and violence complicate any straightforward defense of his actions, forcing players to confront uncomfortable questions about love, survival, and moral compromise.
Evidence and Analysis 1.
Trauma and Paternal Instinct Joel’s backstory reveals that he lost his daughter, Sarah, during the initial outbreak a death caused not by the infection but by a soldier following orders.
This trauma fundamentally alters his worldview, making him distrustful of authority and fiercely protective of those he loves.
- Psychological Research: Studies on grief and PTSD (Bonanno, 2004) show that unresolved trauma can lead to extreme protective behaviors.
Joel’s attachment to Ellie mirrors a father-daughter bond, making his choice a psychological survival mechanism rather than pure selfishness.
- Narrative Parallels: The game deliberately contrasts Joel carrying Sarah’s body in the prologue with him carrying Ellie in the finale, reinforcing that saving her is an attempt to rectify past powerlessness.
2.
Distrust in the Fireflies’ Cure The Fireflies’ plan is ethically and scientifically questionable: - Lack of Consent: Ellie is never informed that the procedure will kill her, violating medical ethics (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).
- Uncertain Success: The game’s lore hints that the Fireflies have failed before.
Audio logs reveal previous vaccine attempts were disastrous, casting doubt on their competence (Gustavo,, 2021).
- Moral Hypocrisy: The Fireflies are portrayed as violent extremists, willing to kill Joel to prevent interference.
Their “greater good” argument is undercut by their ruthless methods.
3.
Utilitarianism vs.
Personal Ethics The central conflict pits utilitarian ethics (sacrificing one for many) against deontological ethics (the inherent wrong of killing an innocent).
- Philosophical Debate: Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarianism would justify Ellie’s sacrifice, but Immanuel Kant would argue that using her as a means to an end is inherently immoral (Sandel,, 2009).
- Game’s Rejection of Easy Morality: Unlike traditional hero narratives, refuses to validate either side.
Joel’s violence is excessive, yet the Fireflies’ methods are equally dubious.
4.
The Lie and Its Consequences Joel’s decision to lie to Ellie is perhaps more controversial than the rescue itself.
- Psychological Manipulation: By denying Ellie agency, Joel replicates the Fireflies’ paternalism.
His lie ensures her loyalty but undermines their relationship’s honesty.
- Narrative Foreshadowing: Earlier, Ellie expresses survivor’s guilt (“It can’t be for nothing”).
Joel’s lie robs her of meaning, setting up ’s exploration of betrayal and vengeance.
Counterarguments and Rebuttals 1.
“Joel Condemned Humanity” Critics argue Joel’s choice is indefensible because he prioritizes one life over millions.
However: - The Fireflies’ cure was never guaranteed.
- The game’s world is already irreparably broken factions like the WLF and Seraphites in prove society has moved beyond salvation.
2.
“Ellie Would Have Chosen to Die” While Ellie likely would have consented, the Fireflies denied her that choice.
Joel’s intervention, though morally gray, preserves her autonomy in the moment.
Conclusion Joel’s decision is neither purely heroic nor villainous it is human.
The game forces players to grapple with impossible choices, revealing how trauma and love distort morality.
His actions critique blind faith in institutions, the cost of survival, and the lies we tell to protect those we love.
Ultimately, does not provide easy answers.
Instead, it holds a mirror to the player: What would you do in Joel’s place? And what does your judgment of him say about your own ethics? - Beauchamp, T.
L., & Childress, J.
F.
(2013).
.
Oxford University Press.
- Bonanno, G.
A.
(2004).
“Loss, Trauma, and Human Resilience.
”.
- Sandel, M.
(2009).
Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
- Gustavo, R.
(2021).