by Amr Abbas
In the video game The Last of Us, players encounter Joel and Ellie who have to survive in a post-apocalyptic world populated by once human creatures turned zombie-like by a fungus infection. Their relationship as well as the stories of other characters throughout the game can be understood through Judith Butler’s concepts of frames and grievability:
Who do we see as human; as grievable?
Who matters to us and who doesn’t?
At which point does someone become grievable?
References
Butler, Judith (2016) Frames of War: When is Life Grievable?, Verso.
Naughty Dog (2013) The Last of Us [video game], directed by Neil Druckmann & Bruce Straley, published by Sony Computer Entertainment.
Naughty Dog (2020) The Last of Us: Part II [video game], directed by Neil Druckmann, Anthony Newman & Kurt Margenau, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Music Credits
Intro music by sfxvalley.
Inspiring Acoustic Guitar by Lesfm.
The Turn by Alfred Grupstra.
First Day of Spring by tristu.
BW – Solitude by amidtownfarewell.
Cover picture by Amr Abbas.
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