*The Last of Us Part II* plunges players into a brutal and emotionally charged world, where survival often comes at a devastating cost. Amidst the relentless violence and moral ambiguities, the relationship between Ellie and Dina emerges as a rare beacon of hope and connection. Dina, a strong and resourceful member of the Jackson community, becomes Ellie’s partner, lover, and confidante. But a crucial question lingers in the minds of many players: Does Dina know about Ellie’s immunity to the Cordyceps fungus, a secret that fundamentally shapes Ellie’s identity and the risks she undertakes?
Exploring whether Dina is aware of Ellie’s immunity is more than just a curiosity. It deeply impacts our understanding of their relationship, influences the choices Dina makes throughout the narrative, and sheds light on the central themes of trust, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love in a world ravaged by despair. While the game never explicitly confirms Dina’s knowledge, *The Last of Us Part II* subtly suggests that Dina is indeed aware of Ellie’s unique condition, supported by her keen intelligence and observational skills, the undeniable evidence displayed by Ellie’s behavior, and the carefully crafted subtext woven into their interactions.
Dina’s Intellect and Observational Prowess
To understand whether Dina could piece together the truth about Ellie’s immunity, it’s crucial to first examine her character. Dina isn’t just a companion; she’s demonstrably intelligent, resourceful, and possesses a sharp awareness of her surroundings. These aren’t just personality quirks; they’re consistently displayed throughout the game, solidifying her as a character capable of critical thinking and astute observation.
Consider her actions during their patrol in Jackson at the start of the game. She displays a practical understanding of the environment and a quick wit, readily adapting to changing circumstances. Later, during their perilous journey to Seattle, Dina consistently demonstrates her quick thinking in combat scenarios. She strategizes, utilizes resources effectively, and provides valuable support to Ellie. She isn’t simply reacting; she’s analyzing and adapting to the unfolding situation.
Beyond combat, Dina’s intelligence shines through in her interactions and problem-solving. The environment puzzles in Seattle require collaboration and clever thinking, and Dina contributes meaningfully to these challenges. She picks up on clues, offers suggestions, and demonstrates a capacity for logical deduction. These examples paint a picture of a character who is far from naive or oblivious. Dina is attentive, perceptive, and capable of recognizing patterns and anomalies. Given this inherent intelligence and her close proximity to Ellie, it becomes increasingly plausible that she might have observed something unusual.
Unveiling Ellie’s Resilience and Quick Healing
During their harrowing journey from Jackson to Seattle and back, Ellie endures experiences that would be fatal to anyone else. The fact that Dina accompanied her for the entirety of the trip to Seattle makes her the perfect person to deduce that Ellie is immune.
In the patrol at the start of the game, Ellie is bitten by an infected but is completely fine. Dina sees this and it is not explained why Ellie is fine after.
Additionally, during their time in Seattle, Ellie is stabbed multiple times and she heals very quickly. Despite enduring brutal encounters with the WLF and the Seraphites, Ellie repeatedly recovers with astonishing speed. She suffers deep wounds, faces exhaustion, and yet continues to persevere, bouncing back from injuries that would incapacitate an ordinary person. Dina witnesses these events firsthand, tending to Ellie’s wounds and providing support.
The stark contrast between Ellie’s resilience and the vulnerability of others in their group could hardly escape Dina’s notice. Witnessing Ellie emerge relatively unscathed from situations that would prove fatal to others would, at the very least, raise questions in Dina’s mind. Even if she didn’t immediately jump to the conclusion of immunity, she would likely recognize that something extraordinary was at play.
Subtext and Implication in Their Interactions
Perhaps the most compelling evidence that Dina knows lies in the subtle nuances of their conversations and interactions. While the game never features a scene where Ellie explicitly reveals her immunity, there are moments where Dina’s words or actions hint at a deeper understanding.
Consider the scene during their trek to Seattle, where Dina presses Ellie about her past and the circumstances surrounding her life before Jackson. These questions, seemingly innocent on the surface, could be interpreted as a subtle attempt to gather information, to piece together the puzzle of Ellie’s identity and resilience. Dina may be probing for clues, looking for any indication that might explain Ellie’s exceptional survival.
Furthermore, examine Dina’s reactions to Ellie’s injuries. While she expresses concern and provides care, there’s a certain lack of panic or disbelief in her demeanor. She seems to accept Ellie’s ability to recover from severe wounds with a level of composure that suggests she might already suspect something extraordinary. The weight of Ellie’s life being in danger would be more heavily presented if she were truly unaware of Ellie’s condition.
These subtle cues, these unspoken implications, speak volumes. They suggest that Dina is not oblivious to Ellie’s secret, but rather possesses a level of awareness that is never explicitly confirmed. It’s a testament to the game’s masterful storytelling that it leaves room for interpretation, allowing players to draw their own conclusions based on the available evidence.
Addressing the Counterarguments
While the evidence strongly suggests that Dina knows about Ellie’s immunity, it’s crucial to acknowledge the counterarguments and address them fairly.
One primary argument is that the game never explicitly states that Dina knows. There’s no scene where Ellie confesses, no moment of revelation. However, this argument overlooks the game’s narrative style. *The Last of Us* thrives on ambiguity and subtlety, leaving many crucial details open to interpretation. The story often relies on visual storytelling, character interactions, and contextual clues to convey information, rather than resorting to direct exposition. The absence of an explicit confirmation doesn’t necessarily negate the possibility of Dina’s knowledge.
Another argument might be that Dina wouldn’t risk her life, and more importantly, the life of her son, JJ, if she knew the dangers associated with Ellie’s past and her immunity. Knowing Ellie is the only hope for a cure to the Cordyceps fungus, Dina would be more likely to live far away from her. This argument hinges on the assumption that knowledge of Ellie’s immunity would automatically deter Dina from pursuing a relationship with her.
However, this ignores the complexities of human relationships and the power of love and loyalty. Dina’s feelings for Ellie run deep, and her commitment to their relationship transcends the potential risks. She sees beyond Ellie’s immunity, recognizing her humanity, her vulnerability, and her unwavering determination. Moreover, Dina might believe in Ellie’s good intentions and her desire to use her immunity for the greater good. She might see Ellie as a source of hope in a bleak world, and be willing to stand by her side, even in the face of danger. Dina, knowing what Ellie could mean for the world, may take the risk.
Conclusion: A Silent Understanding
Ultimately, the question of whether Dina knows Ellie is immune remains open to interpretation. *The Last of Us Part II* never provides a definitive answer, instead opting for a more nuanced and ambiguous approach. However, the evidence presented throughout the game – Dina’s intelligence, Ellie’s resilience, and the subtle cues in their interactions – strongly suggests that Dina is indeed aware of Ellie’s unique condition.
Her potential knowledge adds another layer of complexity to their relationship, highlighting the themes of trust, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love in a world defined by loss and violence. It speaks to the strength of their bond, their willingness to accept each other, flaws and all.
Whether Dina explicitly knows or only suspects, her unwavering support for Ellie demonstrates a profound level of understanding and acceptance. In a world filled with mistrust and betrayal, their relationship stands as a testament to the possibility of genuine connection. And perhaps, that’s the most important message *The Last of Us Part II* has to offer: that even in the darkest of times, love and loyalty can endure, even when secrets remain unspoken. What does it say about human connection that Dina may know and may not care, only emphasizing that love is about supporting each other during the hardest of times?
