Why Did Ellie Put Coffee Beans on Joel’s Grave? Unpacking the Symbolism in The Last of Us Part II

The Gesture and its Weight

The image is stark, powerful, and heartbreaking. Ellie, weary and burdened by grief, stands before Joel’s final resting place. In a quiet act of remembrance, she places a handful of coffee beans on the freshly turned earth. This simple gesture, loaded with emotion, has captivated players and viewers of “The Last of Us Part II,” sparking countless discussions about its meaning. Why coffee beans? What does this seemingly small act say about Ellie’s complex relationship with Joel, her journey, and the lingering impact of their shared past? In a narrative overflowing with brutality and difficult choices, this moment offers a fragile glimpse into the enduring power of memory and the struggle for forgiveness. Ellie placing coffee beans on Joel’s grave is far from a simple ‘thank you’ or a clear declaration of closure; it’s a multifaceted offering, representing a poignant tribute, a symbol of ongoing grief, and a reflection of the complicated legacy of their bond.

The Lingering Aroma: Coffee’s Significance in Joel and Ellie’s Bond

To understand the weight of this gesture, it’s essential to delve into the significance of coffee within the context of Joel and Ellie’s tumultuous relationship. One scene stands out as particularly crucial: the museum flashback. In a rare moment of levity and connection, Joel takes Ellie to a dilapidated, yet still inspiring, museum. Among the exhibits, they stumble upon a coffee-making display. Joel, ever the pragmatist, decides to give Ellie a taste of something she’s never experienced: coffee.

A Taste of the Old World

The scene is simple, yet profound. In a world ravaged by infection and scarcity, Joel is attempting to provide Ellie with a semblance of normalcy, a taste of the world that was lost. Her initial reaction to the coffee is understated – a cautious “Not bad.” But beneath that simple phrase lies a deeper appreciation. For Ellie, who has grown up in a world defined by hardship and survival, coffee represents something new, something that belongs to a different era. It is a small taste of the civilization that existed before the cordyceps outbreak, a world of comfort, routine, and simple pleasures.

Bridging the Gap

Moreover, consider the dynamics at play. Joel, often stoic and reserved, is actively trying to connect with Ellie. He’s attempting to bridge the gap between them, to forge a deeper bond. This scene is a departure from their usual dynamic, marked by survival instincts and the constant threat of danger. It’s a moment of shared humanity, a brief escape from the brutal reality that surrounds them. The coffee, therefore, becomes a symbol of Joel’s paternal instincts, his desire to protect Ellie and provide her with a sense of stability in an unstable world.

A Promise Unfulfilled: Coffee as a Symbol of Longing

The museum scene isn’t an isolated incident. Joel later promises Ellie that one day he’ll take her to a place with “real coffee,” a place where they can enjoy a proper cup of joe. This promise, seemingly insignificant, carries immense weight. It represents a future that Joel envisions for them, a future where they can escape the constant struggle for survival and find a semblance of peace. It signifies Joel’s willingness to give Ellie what she deserves – a life beyond fighting and survival. He recognizes her deprived childhood, her lost opportunities, and intends to give her a better future.

Shattered Dreams

However, this promise remains unfulfilled. The events of the first game and the subsequent tragedy that befalls them in “The Last of Us Part II” shatter any possibility of that idyllic future. Joel’s death leaves Ellie with a profound sense of loss, not only of a father figure but also of the potential for a life beyond the brutality she has always known.

A Tangible Reminder

The coffee beans, therefore, take on an added layer of meaning. They represent the promise that was broken, the future that was stolen. They are a tangible reminder of what could have been, a poignant symbol of longing and regret. It is a constant reminder of what she lost and the promise he will never be able to keep.

Seeds of Memory and Lingering Resentment

Returning to the question, ‘Why did Ellie put coffee beans on Joel’s grave?’, it’s crucial to consider the act within the context of Ellie’s complex emotional state. She is grappling with a multitude of conflicting feelings: grief, anger, resentment, and a desperate need for closure. Placing the coffee beans on Joel’s grave is not a simple act of mourning; it’s a complex expression of these unresolved emotions.

The Fireflies and the Betrayal

While the coffee beans certainly serve as a tribute to Joel’s memory and the positive moments they shared, they also speak to the unresolved anger and resentment that Ellie harbors towards him. The revelation that Joel lied to her about the Fireflies and the potential cure at the end of the first game had a devastating impact on Ellie. She felt betrayed, robbed of her agency, and denied the opportunity to potentially save humanity.

A Lingering Rift

This betrayal festered within her, creating a deep rift in their relationship. Even in the years that followed, as they built a semblance of a normal life in Jackson, the tension remained palpable. Ellie struggled to forgive Joel for his actions, and their relationship was never quite the same.

Internal Conflict

Therefore, the coffee beans can be interpreted as a sign of Ellie’s struggle to reconcile her love for Joel with her anger and resentment towards him. She acknowledges his humanity, the moments of kindness and connection they shared, but she cannot fully forgive him for the choices he made. The coffee beans encapsulate that internal conflict, the push and pull between love and anger, forgiveness and resentment. She recognizes the good he did but cannot completely dismiss the pain and betrayal that linger in her heart.

Humanity in a Desolate World: Honoring Flawed Connections

Furthermore, the act of leaving coffee beans on Joel’s grave serves to acknowledge his inherent humanity. In a world where survival often necessitates brutal choices, Joel was far from a perfect hero. He was a flawed individual, capable of both great love and terrible violence. He acknowledges that, despite his mistakes, he tried his best to give her a better life. He acted as a protector, a provider, and at times, a father figure. This recognition of his humanity, his flaws, and his complexities, is a crucial aspect of Ellie’s grieving process.

Beyond the Legend

The coffee beans, in this context, represent a recognition of the man behind the legend, the person who made mistakes but ultimately tried to do what he thought was best for her. It serves as a reminder of his love and care, and all of the things that made Joel, well, Joel.

Growth, Resilience, or a Stagnant Past? The Symbolism of Stunted Emotions

The final layer of symbolism lies in the interpretation of the coffee beans as a representation of Ellie’s emotional state and her potential for growth. Has she forgiven him? Is she healing? Or is this a reminder of stagnant sorrow?

Trapped in the Past

One perspective suggests that the coffee beans symbolize Ellie’s stunted emotional development. Her trauma, coupled with the events of “The Last of Us Part II,” has hindered her ability to move forward and heal from her past. The coffee beans, in this interpretation, represent Ellie clinging to a memory of the past, unable to fully embrace the present or envision a brighter future. It could mean she’s stuck in a cycle of grief, unable to escape her trauma.

A Glimmer of Hope?

Alternatively, one might see in this gesture a glimmer of hope. The coffee beans might signify Ellie slowly learning to reconcile her feelings for Joel, to acknowledge both the good and the bad, and to find a path towards healing. Perhaps, in time, she can move forward with the knowledge of their shared history and find the strength to create a future for herself. But even if she can’t move forward, remembering those happy moments and memories can provide some semblance of comfort.

The Bitter Truth: An Ironic Undertone?

Finally, one cannot ignore the possibility of a darker, more ironic interpretation. Given the circumstances surrounding Joel’s death and the brutal cycle of violence that consumes Ellie throughout the game, the gesture of leaving coffee beans on his grave might be laced with a sense of bitter irony. It could represent the impossibility of returning to a simpler, more peaceful existence, a world where a cup of coffee is just a cup of coffee.

A Broken World

The violent and senseless nature of Joel’s demise, and the subsequent pursuit of revenge that nearly destroys Ellie, stands in stark contrast to the innocent symbolism of the coffee beans. In this context, the gesture might underscore the futility of seeking closure or finding peace in a world defined by brutality and loss. Perhaps it is not a sign of healing, but rather an acknowledgement of a broken world where there is no moving on.

Conclusion: Unraveling Layers of Meaning

Why did Ellie put coffee beans on Joel’s grave? The answer, as with much of “The Last of Us Part II,” is far from simple. It’s a gesture imbued with multiple layers of meaning, reflecting the complexities of Ellie’s character, her relationship with Joel, and the themes of grief, forgiveness, and the enduring power of memory that permeate the narrative. It’s not a clear-cut declaration of forgiveness or a simple “thank you,” but rather a complex offering to a man who filled many roles in her life.

A Complex Symbol

The coffee beans serve as a poignant reminder of shared moments, a symbol of longing and regret, an expression of unresolved anger, and a potential sign of growth. They represent both the beauty and the brutality of the world they inhabit, the enduring power of human connection, and the difficult choices that must be made in the face of unimaginable loss. They acknowledge the good, the bad, and the complexities in between. Ultimately, the interpretation of this gesture is subjective and open to individual perspective, a testament to the game’s ability to evoke profound emotional responses and spark meaningful conversations. The enduring image serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, even the simplest symbols can convey the most profound of emotions.