Does Arthur Know He Has TB in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Deep Dive
Yes, Arthur Morgan absolutely knows he has tuberculosis (TB) in Red Dead Redemption 2. This isn’t a subtle hint or a slowly dawning realization. At the end of Chapter 5, a doctor delivers the news to Arthur in “no uncertain terms,” as the provided text states. The diagnosis is a pivotal moment in the story, marking a significant turning point in Arthur’s character arc and the overall narrative. From that point forward, his understanding of his impending death colors his actions, motivations, and relationships. The game makes it exceptionally clear that Arthur is aware of his terminal illness.
Arthur’s Journey with Tuberculosis
The knowledge of his TB diagnosis is central to Arthur’s redemption arc. Prior to contracting TB, Arthur is, at best, a morally ambiguous character. He participates in violence and theft without much apparent remorse. However, facing his own mortality forces him to re-evaluate his life and the choices he has made.
After his diagnosis, Arthur begins to reflect on his past, trying to make amends for his actions and to secure a better future for those he cares about, particularly John Marston. This is a profound transformation, driven by the awareness of his limited time. The knowledge of his disease is, therefore, not just a plot point, but a key catalyst for Arthur’s character development.
FAQs About Arthur and Tuberculosis in RDR2
Here are some frequently asked questions about Arthur Morgan and his battle with tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2, offering a deeper understanding of this crucial element of the game.
Does Arthur tell anyone he has TB?
While Arthur initially struggles to share his diagnosis, he does eventually confide in a few select individuals. He tells Sister Calderón after encountering her in Saint Denis. The only person he tells he has TB specifically (as directly stated) is Detective Milton. He hints at his condition to others, telling Charles and Sadie that he thinks he’s dying but does not go into explicit detail on what the illness is that he has. This reluctance highlights his internal struggle and the stigma associated with the disease at the time.
Does Arthur know how he got TB?
Arthur strongly believes he contracted TB from Thomas Downes, the debt-ridden farmer he is forced to collect from. During one such encounter, Downes, visibly ill and coughing, splatters blood on Arthur’s face. While the game doesn’t explicitly confirm this as the source of the infection, the timing and circumstances strongly suggest it.
Can you stop Arthur from getting TB?
Unfortunately, no. Arthur’s TB diagnosis is a fixed plot point within Red Dead Redemption 2. There’s no in-game action or choice that can prevent him from contracting the disease. The only “way out” is to avoid progressing the story.
How long does Arthur last with tuberculosis?
The timeline of Arthur’s illness isn’t explicitly stated, but a reasonable estimate is around 3-6 months. This timeframe aligns with the events that unfold after his diagnosis, including the gang’s activities in Rhodes and Saint Denis, and allows for the progression of his symptoms.
Can you avoid tuberculosis in RDR2?
As previously mentioned, you cannot avoid Arthur contracting tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2. It is a critical story element woven into the game’s narrative. You must play through the events that lead to and follow his diagnosis.
How did Arthur not infect others?
While TB is contagious, Arthur’s behavior likely mitigated the risk of infecting others. Unlike Thomas Downes, who coughs openly, Arthur tries to cover his mouth and maintain distance when he feels a coughing fit coming on. Although, there will be times Arthur is around the gang and begins to cough openly because there are times where he is unable to control himself.
How old was Arthur Morgan when he died?
Arthur Morgan dies at the age of 35 or 36. His age aligns with the timeframe of the late 19th century, a period when diseases like TB were particularly deadly.
Can you play with Arthur after he dies?
No, you cannot continue playing as Arthur after his death. The game transitions to John Marston as the playable character, allowing you to experience the events leading up to the original Red Dead Redemption. To play as Arthur again, you need to revert to an earlier save.
Can you shoot Thomas Downes in RDR2?
Despite the understandable desire for revenge, the game prevents you from killing Thomas Downes. Even attempts to harm him through unconventional means are unsuccessful. He is protected by the game’s programming for story reasons.
Did Micah contract TB?
Despite their close proximity to infected blood, Micah Bell does not contract TB. This plot armor ensures that he remains a formidable antagonist throughout the story. The text mentions, that Micah could be fine after having a blade pierce his skin and mix infected blood directly into his body.
Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?
While Dutch van der Linde witnesses Arthur’s declining health, he is too consumed by his own ambitions and paranoia to address it seriously. Dutch is preoccupied with his own plans, it appears he might not even know what is wrong with Arthur.
What mental illness does Arthur Morgan have?
The game never explicitly diagnoses Arthur with a mental illness. While he experiences emotional turmoil, his actions and struggles are primarily attributed to the circumstances he faces and his evolving moral compass. The text mentions that he doesn’t have any mental illness or disorder, but that he contracts Tuberculosis (TB) in the process of the game.
Can you beat RDR2 without Arthur dying?
As with avoiding TB, you cannot beat Red Dead Redemption 2 without Arthur dying. His death is a critical narrative event that shapes the game’s themes of redemption and legacy.
Why didn’t Dutch save John?
Dutch’s decision not to save John is fueled by his growing paranoia and distrust of the gang, especially John Marston and Arthur Morgan. He sees John’s supposed disloyalty as a threat to his authority and vision. This paranoia is a key factor in the gang’s disintegration.
Does Arthur’s aim get worse?
Yes, Arthur’s physical decline due to TB does affect his gameplay abilities. His aiming becomes noticeably less accurate, reflecting his weakened state. This adds another layer of realism and immersion to the experience.
The Impact of TB on Arthur’s Character
Arthur’s TB diagnosis is more than just a plot device; it’s a defining characteristic that shapes his transformation and the game’s overall message. It forces him to confront his mortality, reconsider his values, and strive for redemption. His journey with TB makes him a deeply complex and compelling character. Understanding the role of his illness enhances the overall experience of Red Dead Redemption 2.
The themes explored in Red Dead Redemption 2, such as morality, redemption, and the impact of violence, can also be explored within an educational context. The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, researches how games can be used to teach and learn, offering valuable insights into using interactive experiences for educational purposes. Through organizations like the Games Learning Society, we can better understand how games contribute to learning and personal growth.