A global audience has been enthralled by the post-apocalyptic action-adventure game-turned-limited series, The Last of Us. Set in a world where a fungal infection has wiped out most of humanity, the survivors must fight to stay alive in a world full of infected creatures and hostile humans. The plot may be all too familiar, in a sea of dystopian, world-of-the-undead films and series we have seen before this but it has become one of the most critically acclaimed and beloved game franchises of all time.
However, The Last of Us has proven to be not just a video game or a TV adaptation. It is a masterful work of storytelling that captures the complexities of humanity in a post-apocalyptic world. The series became a cautionary tale emphasizing the repercussions of our choices and the vitality of human relationships.
Here are some of the most profound lessons about humanity that The Last of Us, the game-changing and widely-celebrated series that it has become to the world, teaches us.
Image via HBO
The Importance of Empathy
The Last of Us showcases the importance of empathy in a world that has been stripped of its humanity. Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), the protagonists of the series, learn to empathize with each other and the people they encounter on their journey. The game teaches us that empathy is not just a moral obligation, but it is also essential for survival in a world where every decision can mean a world of difference between life and death.
The Dangers of Blind Faith
We learn about the perils of blind faith and how it may result in disaster during the course of the series. A prime manifestation of this is the group known as The Fireflies, which Joel and Ellie come across in the first game. They are prepared to give up Ellie’s life in order to collect Ellie’s blood, which they think has the key to curing the virus. The game shows us that blind faith can be just as dangerous as the infection itself and can lead to catastrophic consequences.
The Power of Sacrifice
The Last of Us also teaches us about the value of sacrifice. The lengths we will go to protect the people we love are demonstrated by Joel’s choice at the conclusion of the first game to save Ellie rather than allow her to be used for a cure. It demonstrates how, sometimes, putting others before ourselves is the greatest sacrifice we can make.
The Gray Areas of Morality
Morality is not always clear-cut, which is one of The Last of Us ‘ most significant themes. Joel, Ellie, and the other characters in the series are forced to make difficult decisions that challenge their moral compass. The game teaches us that sometimes we have to make choices that may not be in line with our ideals in order to live and that the world is not always as unambiguous as we would like it to be.
The Resilience of the Human Spirit
The Last of Us is more than just a tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world, to sum it all up. It is an insightful piece of literature that examines the complexity of mankind. The lessons about empathy, blind faith, sacrifice, morality, and the resilience of the human spirit are just some of the many themes that make the series a thought-provoking, and engaging masterpiece. The Last of Us is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for humanity. Trust and believe.
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