The Hidden Meaning Behind the Disease in The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a wildly popular video game that centers around the journey of Joel and Ellie in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly fungus that turns human beings into zombie-like creatures. However, there’s more to the disease in The Last of Us than meets the eye.
The Cordyceps Fungus and Real-Life Implications
The fungus that causes the disease in The Last of Us is cordyceps. While the in-game fungus is purely fictional, the real-life cordyceps fungus does exist, and it is known to infect insects and other arthropods.
In the game, when humans are infected with the fungus, they become the walking dead – aggressive, violent, and unable to control their actions. The gameplay is harrowing and challenging, depicting the struggle of characters to survive and ultimately find a cure for the disease.
However, in real life, the cordyceps fungus doesn’t infect humans. Instead, it preys on insects, and its effects are equally gruesome. After infecting an insect, the fungus begins to consume the victim’s insides while releasing chemicals that force the insect to climb higher, usually onto a plant stem. The goal of the fungus is to get closer to other potential hosts and spread its spores.
The real-life implications of the cordyceps fungus are quite scary, and the game’s portrayal of the fungus as a deadly disease that could potentially infect humans adds another layer of fear to the mix.
The Disease as a Metaphor
Beyond the real-life implications of the cordyceps fungus, the disease in The Last of Us serves as a metaphor. The game touches upon the themes of survival, trauma, loss, and redemption, but the disease is perhaps the most potent metaphor of them all.
The fungus represents the decay and destruction of the world the characters knew before their lives were upended, while the infected human beings are symbolic of the breakdown of society, morality, and the loss of self.
The disease also serves as a commentary on the human condition and the limits of science. The characters in the game continuously search for a cure that doesn’t seem to exist, despite their best efforts. It highlights the fragility of human life and how, in the face of great challenges, people are often unable to solve problems altogether.
The Last of Us as a Story About Humanity
Ultimately, The Last of Us is a compelling story about humanity. It’s about how two unlikely people come together in the face of insurmountable odds and find solace in each other’s company. The disease, the cordyceps fungus, and the horrors of the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit are merely backdrops to a greater story of two characters who must overcome their past traumas to build a brighter future together.
In conclusion, the disease in The Last of Us is more than just a plot device – it’s a metaphor for the decay of society, a commentary on the human condition, and a backdrop for a story about hope, redemption, and renewal. While the real-life implications of the cordyceps fungus are just as terrifying, in this game, its true power lies in its symbolism as an agent of destruction and decay.
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