Original artwork, not a still
I've struggled a long time with survivin', but no matter what you have to find something to fight for.
— The Last of Us • 2013
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Joel is a man who survived by shutting down, and this is the closest he comes to saying what kept him going: a reason outside himself. It is sad in hindsight, because the reason he gives Ellie is the one he acts on when he lies to her. Fans quote it as hard-won survivor advice, and its plainness, with Joel stumbling over the first half, is why it is remembered.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Last of UsShow the scene
In the Jackson settlement, late in The Last of Us, Ellie finally tells Joel about the friends she has lost: Riley, who was bitten with her in Boston, then Tess, then Sam. She says she is still waiting for her own turn. Joel tells her none of it is her fault and offers this advice from his own grief for his daughter. As spoken, it runs closer to 'No matter what, you keep finding something to fight for.' Ellie then makes him swear that what he said about the Fireflies is true, and he lies.
Sources (1)
- Wikiquote: The Last of UsJackson scene, Ellie and JoelReference checked
Context reviewed
