- Arcane and The Last of Us Part II delve into themes of vengeance and the cyclical nature of violence.
- Both Caitlyn and Ellie are driven by the loss of a parent to seek revenge.
- Each story highlights that breaking the cycle of violence requires the strength to walk away
Arcane and The Last of Us Part II weaves a rich narrative over its two seasons, exploring themes like sacrifice, social inequality, emotional scars, and love. Notably, a particular storyline in Arcane shares thematic parallels with the intricate tale of The Last of Us Part II.
At first glance, Arcane and The Last of Us Part II seem entirely unalike. One is a visually stunning animated series set in Riot’s enchanting world of Runeterra, showcasing its well-loved champions.
The other is a harrowing narrative set in a desolate post-apocalyptic world plagued by fungal infections.
A deeper examination of the narratives and characters in The Last of Us Part II and Arcane reveals that the two works share several overlapping themes.
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Caitlyn & Ellie Driven By A desire for Vengeance
One of the key parallels between Arcane and The Last of Us Part 2 lies in their exploration of vengeance.
In Arcane Season 2, Caitlyn is consumed by a desire to retaliate against Jinx, whose missile attack on the Piltover council chambers resulted in her mother’s death.
The opening episodes of Arcane Season 2 reveal Caitlyn consumed by an unyielding desire for revenge, which eclipses everything else in her life, including her connection with Vi.
Her fixation compels her to take on the role of Piltover’s Commander, leveraging her authority to enforce martial law and tighten control over Zaun in her hunt for Jinx.
In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie is driven by sorrow and anger after witnessing Joel, her father figure, killed by Abby.
Determined to seek justice, she tracks Abby to Seattle, where her relentless mission leads her to confront Abby’s companions one by one. The story examines the toll of vengeance, the pain of loss, and the destructive cycle of violence.
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Arcane and The Last of Us Part II | Exploring Arcane’s Endless Violence & The Last of Us
The Last of Us Part 2 delves deeply into the cycle of violence. Ellie’s drive for vengeance stems from Abby killing Joel, while Abby’s actions are rooted in Joel having killed her father.
Although Arcane covers numerous themes, its exploration of the cycle of violence is reminiscent of The Last of Us Part 2. Caitlyn’s cycle originates with Jinx killing her mother.
Jinx’s begins with Silco’s death (a result of her actions shaped by Piltover’s influence), and Silco’s cycle started with Vander’s betrayal and attempt on his life.
Each character is intertwined in a relentless cycle of violence and sorrow, seemingly without resolution.
Resolving the Desire for Revenge in Arcane and The Last of Us
Arcane and The Last of Us Part 2 both tackle the theme of revenge and its consequences in similar ways.
In The Last of Us Part 2, Ellie is known to cover great lengths to avenge Joel’s death, taking numerous lives along the way, including those closest to Abby.
The cycle of violence is finally broken when Abby chooses to spare Ellie, putting an end to the endless retribution.
It’s Ellie in Arcane: League of Legends who doesn’t always resolve her desire for vengeance until she tracks Abby to the farthest reaches and forces her into a life-or-death battle. But when the moment comes to end Abby’s life, Ellie decides against it.
She realizes that killing Abby won’t bring Joel back and that she would only perpetuate the very cycle of violence she’s been trapped in. By sparing Abby, Ellie brings an end to the cycle.
Arcane follows a similar path with Jinx and Caitlyn’s arcs. In Arcane Season 2, Caitlyn has got the opportunity to take revenge of Jinx, though Vi urges her to acknowledge the changes in her sister.
When Caitlyn meets Jinx in prison, she offers her a chance to explain herself, hoping to understand the reasons behind Jinx’s quest for vengeance.
When Jinx gives in, offering Caitlyn the chance to exact her revenge, Caitlyn realizes she’s too exhausted to carry it out.
Her pursuit of vengeance has worn her down, filling her with self-doubt. She walks away, coming to the same understanding as Ellie that vengeance won’t restore what has been lost.
Jinx Brings An End to the Cycle of Violence
In Arcane and The Last of Us Part II, Jinx discusses the endless cycle of killing with an apparition of Silco. He tells her, “Killing is a cycle. It began long before Vander and I, and it will continue long after you both.
Silco shares that he once thought he could break free from the cycle by eliminating those who kept him trapped, but he eventually realizes it can only end “when you find the will to walk away.”
Jinx puts this into practice in the following scene. When Vi comes to free her, Jinx decides not to engage in Piltover’s conflict and locks Vi in the cell, stopping her from pursuing her.
Jinx chooses to distance herself from Vi, feeling that she is the root of the cycle. By leaving, she believes she can protect those she cares about.
This decision mirrors her final act, where she sacrifices herself to save Vi and ultimately walks away from both Piltover and Zaun for good.
ARCANE
Both Arcane and The Last of Us Part II tackle the theme of how violence and revenge perpetuate an endless cycle, and the only way to break it is by stepping away.
While the characters face immense personal hardships, they ultimately find the courage to end the cycle.
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