How Did No One Else Catch TB From Arthur Morgan?

The question of how Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, managed to avoid spreading tuberculosis (TB) to his fellow gang members is a complex one, rooted more in narrative necessity and gameplay considerations than in strict adherence to the realities of disease transmission. The short answer is: for the sake of the story and to avoid significantly altering the gameplay dynamics, Rockstar Games took artistic liberties with the realistic spread of the disease. While the game portrays Arthur’s physical decline convincingly, the developers likely made a conscious decision to limit the impact of TB on other characters to maintain narrative focus and prevent the game from becoming an exercise in managing a widespread epidemic.

The Realities of TB Transmission vs. Game Narrative

Tuberculosis is indeed spread through airborne droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. Prolonged exposure in enclosed spaces with an infected individual significantly increases the risk of transmission. Given the close quarters of the Van der Linde gang’s camps, their shared activities, and Arthur’s increasingly violent coughing fits as the game progresses, one would expect a higher rate of infection among the other members. However, several factors within the game’s narrative and mechanics can be considered, even if they don’t entirely erase the inconsistency.

• Limited Direct Interaction: While Arthur interacts with the gang daily, most interactions are short and often occur outdoors. Brief encounters might not be sufficient for transmission.
• Arthur’s Self-Awareness: The article indicates Arthur was self-aware he was sick. We could speculate that Arthur, once aware of his condition, consciously tried to minimize close contact and avoid coughing directly around others. The game doesn’t explicitly show this, but it’s a possible explanation.
• The Story’s Focus: The primary focus is on Arthur’s personal journey and moral reckoning. Introducing multiple cases of TB would shift the narrative and dilute the impact of Arthur’s tragedy.
• Gameplay Balance: If multiple gang members contracted TB, the game’s dynamics would change dramatically. Resources would need to be diverted to care for the sick, impacting missions and the overall gameplay loop. This would likely be more frustrating than engaging for most players.
• The Timeline: The game takes place over a relatively short period. It may be that even if TB was transmitted to others, the disease hadn’t reached a noticeable stage by the game’s conclusion for them.

In essence, while the lack of widespread TB transmission stretches the bounds of realism, it serves the game’s narrative and gameplay purposes. It’s a case of prioritizing storytelling over absolute scientific accuracy.

Arthur’s Fate: A Predefined Tragedy

It’s important to recognize that Arthur’s fate is sealed from the moment he contracts TB. This predefined tragedy serves as a powerful catalyst for his character development and the overall themes of redemption and mortality explored in the game. Allowing for the possibility of a cure or preventing the spread of the disease would fundamentally alter the narrative arc and diminish its emotional impact.

Rockstar Games crafted a compelling story about a man confronting his own mortality and seeking redemption in a world rapidly changing around him. While acknowledging the biological realities of TB is important, it’s also crucial to understand the narrative choices made to create a memorable and impactful gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible for Arthur to not get TB in Red Dead Redemption 2?

No. Regardless of your choices in the game, Arthur Morgan will always contract tuberculosis. This is a fixed plot point essential to the game’s narrative.

2. Did anyone know Arthur was sick before he did?

While some characters might have noticed Arthur’s declining health, it’s unlikely anyone knew the specific cause before Arthur’s diagnosis. Hosea and Dutch, being older and more experienced, might have suspected something was wrong, but there’s no concrete evidence in the game to confirm this.

3. What would have happened if Arthur didn’t have TB?

If Arthur had not contracted TB, the entire trajectory of the story would have been drastically different. He likely would have remained loyal to Dutch for longer, potentially leading to a darker outcome for John Marston and the rest of the gang. His moral awakening and eventual redemption are directly tied to his awareness of his impending death. A healthier Arthur could have also altered the final confrontation with Micah, potentially leading to different outcomes for all involved.

4. What Happens If You DON’T Go Visit Thomas Downes In Red Dead Redemption 2?

You are required to visit Thomas Downes as part of the story missions. You cannot skip this encounter.

5. Would Hosea side with Arthur over Dutch?

Hosea Matthews was Arthur’s most trusted mentor and friend. Given his history, and Hosea’s generally more pragmatic and reasonable nature, he would have been far more likely to side with Arthur in the conflict with Dutch and Micah.

6. How long did Arthur have TB for in the game?

Based on the game’s timeline, Arthur likely had tuberculosis for approximately 3-6 months. The disease progresses relatively quickly, reflecting the limited medical treatments available at the time.

7. Did Dutch know Micah was a rat?

The game heavily implies that Dutch begins to realize Micah’s true nature during the final confrontation, as Arthur is dying. However, Dutch’s arrogance and increasingly erratic behavior make it difficult to definitively say whether he fully accepted the truth.

8. What is Arthur Morgan’s most famous quote?

While Arthur has many memorable lines, one of his most poignant and often-quoted lines is: “We can’t change what’s done, we can only move on.” This quote encapsulates his acceptance of his fate and his desire to make amends for his past actions.

9. Why is Hosea coughing so much in RDR2?

Hosea’s persistent cough throughout the game suggests he suffered from a chronic respiratory ailment, possibly a lung disease or a form of bronchitis. This adds another layer of realism to the characters and their struggles.

10. Does Micah get TB or any other major illness?

Micah Bell remains remarkably healthy throughout the game, despite engaging in numerous violent encounters. His resilience contributes to his portrayal as a ruthless and almost superhuman antagonist.

11. Could Arthur have been cured of tuberculosis?

In the context of the game’s historical setting, a cure for tuberculosis was not available. The game offers no hints or possibilities of Arthur overcoming his illness through any means.

12. Could Arthur have survived with better treatment?

In the time period in which Red Dead Redemption 2 is set, there was no cure for tuberculosis. Even with the best medical care available at the time, Arthur’s chances of survival would have been extremely slim.

13. Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?

While there’s no official announcement, the success of the previous games makes a Red Dead Redemption 3 highly likely. However, given Rockstar Games’ development timelines, it’s unlikely to be released before 2026 at the earliest. Keep an eye on GamesLearningSociety.org for future developments in gaming, as well as innovative explorations of learning through games!

14. Can you shoot Thomas Downes in Red Dead Redemption 2?

You can attempt to shoot Thomas Downes, but he cannot be killed permanently. He is an essential character for Arthur to contract the disease.

15. Why did Dutch take Micah’s side?

Dutch’s decision to side with Micah is a complex issue. Micah manipulated Dutch by telling him what he wanted to hear, feeding his ego and reinforcing his belief in his own vision. Additionally, Micah saved Dutch’s life, creating a sense of obligation. Dutch’s increasing paranoia and descent into madness also contributed to his susceptibility to Micah’s influence.

Ultimately, the absence of widespread TB within the Van der Linde gang is a narrative convenience. While the game strives for realism in many aspects, it prioritizes storytelling and gameplay over complete adherence to the realities of infectious disease.