Does Arthur Get Cured of Tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Definitive Answer
No, Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, does not get cured of tuberculosis (TB). This diagnosis fundamentally shapes the narrative arc of the game.
Arthur’s Diagnosis and Its Impact
Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis diagnosis is a pivotal moment in Red Dead Redemption 2, irrevocably altering his perspective on life, his relationships, and his place in the Van der Linde gang. It shifts the game from a standard outlaw adventure to a profound exploration of mortality and redemption.
- Background: Arthur contracts TB during a mission collecting debt from Thomas Downes, a sickly farmer who coughs blood on him.
- The Disease’s Progression: The disease slowly weakens Arthur, causing coughing fits, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
- Narrative Significance: The diagnosis forces Arthur to confront his past actions and re-evaluate his loyalties, leading him to question the ideals of Dutch van der Linde.
Medical Understanding in the Red Dead Redemption 2 Era
The game is set in 1899, a time when medical understanding of tuberculosis was limited but growing. While treatments existed, they were often ineffective and did little to cure the disease.
- Common Treatments: Sanatoriums, rest, and improved diet were the primary methods of managing TB.
- Limited Effectiveness: These treatments aimed to prolong life and alleviate symptoms but rarely resulted in a full recovery.
- Social Stigma: TB carried a significant social stigma, leading to isolation and fear.
Arthur’s Response and Redemption
Faced with his impending death, Arthur undergoes a significant transformation.
- Acceptance: He gradually accepts his fate, grappling with his past sins.
- Focus on Redemption: Arthur dedicates his remaining time to helping those he cares about and trying to make amends for his past actions.
- Leaving a Legacy: He strives to ensure the safety and well-being of John Marston and his family.
Why a Cure Would Undermine the Story
Arthur’s terminal illness is integral to the narrative and themes of Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Thematic Resonance: The inevitability of death underscores the themes of mortality, redemption, and the decline of the Wild West.
- Character Development: Arthur’s illness is the catalyst for his growth and transformation.
- Emotional Impact: Removing the disease would diminish the emotional weight of the story and reduce the impact of his final moments.
Alternatives and Speculation
While a cure for Arthur isn’t available in the game, players have speculated about alternative outcomes.
- Hypothetical Cures: Some have suggested that using advanced tonics or seeking out a specific doctor might have offered a slim chance of survival.
- Fan Theories: Online forums are filled with theories about hidden cures or alternative endings.
- Game Design Considerations: Ultimately, the developers made a deliberate choice to keep Arthur’s fate sealed for narrative purposes.
What Arthur’s Story Tells Us About Mortality
Arthur Morgan’s journey through illness and death provides a compelling commentary on mortality.
- Universality of Death: The game reminds us that death is an inevitable part of life.
- Importance of Perspective: It demonstrates how confronting one’s mortality can lead to profound personal growth and a shift in priorities.
- Finding Meaning: Arthur’s story highlights the importance of finding meaning and purpose in the face of death.
Comparative Analysis: Other Protagonists and Illness
Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t the only game where illness plays a major role.
| Protagonist | Game | Illness | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur Morgan | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Tuberculosis | Death |
| Joel Miller | The Last of Us | Infected (fungus) | No Cure |
| Ethan Mars | Heavy Rain | Poisoning | Potential Cure |
| Geralt of Rivia | The Witcher Series | Mutations (Resilient) | Endures |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Would modern medicine have saved Arthur?
Yes, with modern medicine, it is highly likely that Arthur Morgan could have been cured of tuberculosis. Antibiotics like rifampicin and isoniazid, which are now the standard treatment for TB, were not available in 1899. Early diagnosis and proper treatment would have significantly increased his chances of survival.
Did Arthur know he was sick before the official diagnosis?
There are subtle hints that Arthur may have sensed something was wrong before the official diagnosis, but he likely attributed it to the rough lifestyle and the general wear and tear of being an outlaw. The significant change in his health is quite rapid once the TB takes hold.
Could Arthur have avoided getting TB in the first place?
The only way Arthur could have avoided contracting TB was to avoid contact with individuals infected with the disease, particularly Thomas Downes. This is difficult in their line of work because they are required to engage with many people as part of the debt collection process.
Did Dutch know Arthur was sick, and did he care?
It is highly debatable whether Dutch truly cared about Arthur’s well-being. While he acknowledges Arthur’s illness, his actions suggest that he prioritized his own agenda and the supposed “plan” above all else. Some might argue he was too self-absorbed to process what was really happening.
What were the symptoms of TB in the late 19th century?
Common symptoms of tuberculosis in the late 19th century included persistent coughing, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and coughing up blood. These symptoms are accurately depicted in Arthur’s character.
Does Arthur’s horse also get sick?
While Arthur’s illness doesn’t directly affect his horse, the player’s bond with the horse deepens as Arthur’s condition worsens. The player is allowed to care for their horse in a similar way they would care for Arthur. This heightens the emotional impact of the game.
How does Arthur’s diagnosis affect his relationships with other gang members?
Arthur’s diagnosis significantly alters his relationships, especially with John Marston and Abigail Roberts. He becomes more protective of them and tries to guide them towards a better future, realizing the futility of Dutch’s plans.
Is there any way to delay or slow down the progression of Arthur’s TB?
Unfortunately, there is no way to significantly delay or slow down the progression of Arthur’s TB within the game. No matter what the player does, the disease will continue to run its course.
What impact does Arthur’s death have on the Red Dead Redemption timeline?
Arthur’s death is crucial to understanding the events of the first Red Dead Redemption. It sets the stage for John Marston’s journey and his eventual confrontation with the remnants of the Van der Linde gang.
What other diseases were prevalent in the Red Dead Redemption 2 era?
Besides tuberculosis, other prevalent diseases in the late 19th century included typhoid fever, cholera, smallpox, and influenza. The game portrays the harsh realities of life in a time before modern medicine.
Does Red Dead Online address the topic of Tuberculosis?
While Red Dead Online doesn’t explicitly focus on tuberculosis, the overall atmosphere and societal conditions reflect the vulnerability to diseases prevalent in that era. Players can experience the same environments and challenges as Arthur, indirectly highlighting the risks of the time.
Is Arthur’s story a realistic portrayal of TB in the 1890s?
Yes, Arthur’s story provides a remarkably realistic portrayal of tuberculosis in the 1890s, considering the limitations of medical knowledge and treatment options available at the time. The symptoms, progression, and social stigma associated with the disease are all accurately depicted.