Did Dutch See Arthur as His Son?
Dutch Van Der Linde saw Arthur Morgan as one of his favorite ‘sons‘, along with John Marston, after Hosea Matthews and he effectively adopted Arthur as a teenager, operating as his parents. The complex and multi-faceted relationship between Dutch and Arthur is central to the narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2, with Dutch’s paternal feelings towards Arthur evolving over time amidst the chaos and betrayal that unfolds within the Van Der Linde Gang.
Relationship Dynamics
Background and Adoption
Dutch and Hosea took Arthur under their wing when he was just 14, following the death of his parents, and the two became his surrogate fathers, influencing his development and worldview. This early bonding experience significantly shaped Arthur’s loyalty and affection for Dutch, despite the turbulent nature of their relationship.
Complexity of Feelings
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Dutch’s feelings towards Arthur are deeply intertwined with his own emotional struggles and instability. Dutch’s descent into madness and his increasing ruthlessness create a rift in his relationship with Arthur, who begins to question Dutch’s leadership and morality.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Dutch really care about Arthur? – Dutch still cared about Arthur but felt let down and disappointed by Arthur’s lack of faith in him, illustrating the mutual disappointment that characterized their relationship towards the end.
- Was Dutch like a father to Arthur? – Yes, Dutch was one of Arthur’s father figures alongside Hosea, playing a significant role in Arthur’s life and development within the gang.
- Did Dutch regret not helping Arthur? – It’s never explicitly stated if Dutch regretted how things ended with Arthur, but his actions suggest a complex mix of emotions towards his former protégé.
- Why did Dutch walk away from Arthur and Micah? – Dutch walked away due to his realization of Micah’s betrayal, aligning with John Marston’s goal to confront Micah.
- Why did Dutch believe Micah instead of Arthur? – Dutch believed Micah because Micah told him what he wanted to hear, exploiting Dutch’s paranoia and desire for validation.
- Did Arthur like Hosea more than Dutch? – Arthur loved and respected Hosea, viewing him as a more level-headed leader than Dutch, and at times, it seems Arthur had a deeper affection for Hosea.
- What did Dutch think of Arthur at the end? – Dutch had mixed thoughts about Arthur, unsure if Arthur was telling the truth in his final moments, reflecting the ambiguity of their relationship.
- Where does Dutch go after killing Micah? – Dutch walks away unharmed after helping John and Sadie kill Micah, leaving his future open to interpretation.
- Why did Dutch turn bad? – Dutch’s narcissism and the environmental pressures he faced contributed to his downward spiral, rather than a single event like a head injury.
- Did Dutch know Micah was a rat? – Dutch realized Micah’s betrayal as Arthur was dying, leading to a shift in allegiances.
- Why did Dutch shoot the girl in Blackwater? – Dutch’s actions, including shooting a woman in Blackwater, were part of his attempt to distance the gang from the Pinkertons, showcasing his desperation and ruthlessness.
- Will there be a RDR3? – While there’s no official release date, hints from Rockstar Games suggest a potential future installment in the Red Dead series.
- Why didn’t Dutch save John? – Dutch’s growing paranoia and manic behavior led him to turn on John, viewing him as disloyal.
- Was Dutch sad about Hosea’s death? – Dutch did not overtly grieve for Hosea, marking a point where his emotional detachment and instability became more pronounced.
- What did Arthur say to Dutch before he died? – Arthur told Dutch, “I gave you all I had, Dutch. I really did,” highlighting the depth of their emotional bond and Arthur’s ultimate sacrifice.
Conclusion
The relationship between Dutch and Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a complex exploration of paternal bonds, loyalty, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of the Van Der Linde Gang’s tumultuous existence. Dutch’s view of Arthur as a son is a pivotal aspect of the narrative, influencing the character arcs and the tragic events that unfold. Through their story, the game offers a provocative commentary on the nature of family, leadership, and the human condition.