Did John Side With Arthur? Unpacking the Complexities of Loyalty in Red Dead Redemption 2
Yes, ultimately, John Marston sides with Arthur Morgan. While their relationship is fraught with tension and misunderstandings throughout Red Dead Redemption 2, the climax of the game reveals John’s fundamental loyalty to Arthur. This allegiance is solidified by John’s rejection of Dutch’s increasingly erratic leadership and his eventual support of Arthur in the final, tragic confrontation with Micah Bell. Despite the complex circumstances surrounding their interactions, John’s actions definitively demonstrate that when the chips are down, he chooses to stand with Arthur over Dutch and the other betrayers.
John’s Journey of Shifting Loyalties
John’s trajectory in Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t a straight line of unwavering support. Initially, he’s a more peripheral figure, often clashing with Arthur and struggling with his own sense of self and role within the gang. He seems caught between his loyalty to Dutch and his growing awareness of the gang’s moral decay.
Early Tensions and Doubts
Early on, John and Arthur’s relationship is marked by competition and underlying resentment. Arthur often criticizes John’s perceived immaturity and recklessness, and John, in turn, seems to chafe under Arthur’s authority. These early tensions make it seem that John is more aligned with Dutch’s vision of the gang’s future, which at the time, was still somewhat coherent. He isn’t fully aware of Micah’s manipulations, or, more importantly, doesn’t want to believe it yet.
The Turning Point
The shift in John’s allegiance becomes more apparent as the game progresses. The St. Denis heist, a calamitous failure, marks a major turning point. Dutch’s paranoia intensifies after the loss of Hosea Matthews, and he begins to make increasingly irrational decisions. This creates a growing divide within the gang. John, despite his past disagreements with Arthur, starts to witness the truth of Arthur’s doubts and the corrosive effect of Dutch’s leadership.
The Final Confrontation
The ultimate proof of John’s loyalty comes in the final chapter. When Arthur confronts Micah and Dutch at the camp, John makes a pivotal appearance, siding with Arthur and revealing that Dutch had left him for dead during the heist. This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a calculated act of defiance against Dutch’s madness. John actively chooses to believe Arthur’s warnings about Micah’s betrayal. He acknowledges Arthur’s sacrifice and understands the depth of Dutch’s depravity. His actions at this point signal that he is no longer with the Van der Linde gang and is loyal to Arthur and his convictions.
The Broader Context of Loyalty and Betrayal
To fully understand John’s actions, it’s vital to consider the wider context of loyalty and betrayal within the game. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a story about the disintegration of a family-like community and the devastating impact of misplaced trust.
Micah’s Treachery
Micah Bell is the true antagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, a manipulative sociopath who systematically poisons Dutch’s mind and betrays the gang for his own gain. His actions undermine the gang from within, sowing discord and ultimately leading to its destruction. Arthur and John are among those most affected, making it even more significant that John ultimately chooses to stand with Arthur.
Dutch’s Descent
Dutch van der Linde’s tragic descent from charismatic leader to paranoid tyrant is a central theme in the game. His increasingly irrational behavior and his reliance on Micah’s counsel lead him to betray his long-time loyalists. This makes John’s decision to oppose Dutch all the more meaningful, indicating a deep understanding of the extent of Dutch’s betrayal.
The Importance of Arthur’s Influence
Arthur’s development throughout Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial. He evolves from a loyal enforcer to a man who recognizes the moral bankruptcy of the gang’s actions. His efforts to protect John and his family highlight a fundamental shift in his worldview. This shift, in turn, helps to bring John around to the right side. The loyalty John ultimately shows is a testament to Arthur’s ability to inspire it, even in his dying moments. Arthur’s influence on John can’t be overstated.
John’s Redemption
John’s alliance with Arthur in the final act also sets up his own journey in Red Dead Redemption. John’s commitment to protecting his family is largely motivated by the example Arthur sets. His dedication to the cause, to his family, and to redemption demonstrates that he has truly been affected by the events of Red Dead Redemption 2. He carries forward some of the values that Arthur lived by in his final moments. It was a very powerful and influential lesson, that ultimately shaped John’s future.
Conclusion
In summary, John Marston’s actions at the end of Red Dead Redemption 2 definitively demonstrate that he sided with Arthur. Despite early tensions and misunderstandings, John recognizes the truth of Micah’s treachery and the irrationality of Dutch’s leadership. His choice to stand by Arthur in the final confrontation highlights the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal that form the heart of the game’s narrative. John’s ultimate loyalty to Arthur is a crucial step on his path to redemption, setting the stage for his story in the original Red Dead Redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was John aware of Micah’s betrayal before the end?
Yes, by the end of the game, John is aware that Micah was a rat working with the Pinkertons, which is why he stands with Arthur in the final confrontation. He had witnessed Dutch’s increasingly irrational behavior as well, which helped him come to this conclusion.
2. Did John ever betray the Van der Linde gang?
No, despite what some interpretations may say, John did not betray the gang in the same way that Micah did. He did not provide information to the Pinkertons for personal gain. Rather, he had to look out for himself, due to being left for dead by Dutch.
3. Why did John and Arthur have conflicts in the early chapters?
John and Arthur’s early conflicts stemmed from personality clashes, different perspectives, and a sense of rivalry. Arthur, being the more seasoned and respected member, was critical of John’s reckless behavior. It wasn’t until the collapse of the gang that they really came to respect each other.
4. What was the significance of John’s appearance in the final confrontation?
John’s appearance signified his abandonment of Dutch’s leadership and his firm support for Arthur. He acknowledges that he was left for dead by Dutch, solidifying that he had finally chosen his side.
5. How did Hosea’s death affect Dutch?
Hosea’s death was a critical turning point for Dutch. It deepened his paranoia and made him more susceptible to Micah’s influence, leading to his downfall.
6. Why did Dutch leave John for dead?
Dutch’s decision to leave John for dead stemmed from his paranoia and his belief that John was disloyal. He was likely swayed by Micah to see it that way, as he was slowly losing his mind.
7. Did John know about Arthur’s tuberculosis?
While not explicitly stated, it’s likely John was aware of Arthur’s illness by the end, as he witnesses Arthur’s weakened state and deteriorating health. It was very clear that Arthur was sick, so it is only logical to assume John was aware of it.
8. Did Sadie Adler side with Arthur?
Yes, Sadie Adler is unequivocally on Arthur’s side and is a key ally to both Arthur and John during the game. Her loyalty to Arthur and her commitment to justice make her a significant character.
9. How does Arthur influence John?
Arthur’s journey of redemption, his willingness to sacrifice himself, and his eventual concern for his friends and family, heavily influences John’s later actions in both games. John’s story of trying to do right by his family is a direct result of seeing Arthur’s struggle.
10. Was Dutch always evil, or did something change?
Dutch wasn’t inherently evil, but he was fundamentally flawed. His paranoia, narcissism, and the pressures of leadership, along with Micah’s influence, led to his tragic descent.
11. What role did Micah play in the gang’s downfall?
Micah was the primary catalyst for the gang’s disintegration, manipulating Dutch, betraying members, and orchestrating the gang’s downfall through his alliance with the Pinkertons.
12. Did John kill Micah in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No, John doesn’t kill Micah in Red Dead Redemption 2. Dutch shoots him, and then John finishes him off. John kills Micah in 1907, at the end of his epilogue, in order to ensure his family’s safety.
13. Why didn’t Dutch save John when he was left behind?
Dutch was consumed by paranoia and believed John had turned against him. This, coupled with Micah’s influence, led to his decision to abandon John.
14. How does John’s inability to swim impact the story?
John’s inability to swim is a canon detail from the original Red Dead Redemption. This has been carried over into Red Dead 2, and adds to his challenges and vulnerabilities during certain moments of the game.
15. What does Dutch do after the game’s events?
After the events of Red Dead Redemption 2, Dutch disappears. He reappears in the original Red Dead Redemption, eventually committing suicide after being tracked down by John.