Treating Arthur Morgan’s Tuberculosis: A Deep Dive into Red Dead Redemption 2’s Unavoidable Fate
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The blunt truth is, you cannot treat Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis (TB) in Red Dead Redemption 2. No matter what you do, which herbs you gather, or which tonics you consume, Arthur’s fate is sealed. The game’s narrative is designed for his tragic demise, showcasing the harsh realities of the late 19th century when TB was a leading cause of death. While you can temporarily manage his symptoms and prolong his time in the game by delaying the story’s progression, a cure remains elusive within the game’s mechanics. This article explores the realities of Arthur’s TB in Red Dead Redemption 2 and answers the burning questions players have about this unavoidable disease.
The Inevitable Progression of Arthur’s Illness
Arthur’s contraction of TB serves as a pivotal point in the game’s storyline. It forces players to confront themes of morality, mortality, and redemption. The infection, contracted from Thomas Downes, a struggling farmer, highlights the unsanitary conditions and widespread disease prevalent during that era.
The disease’s progression is subtle at first, with minor coughing fits and weight loss. As the story progresses, these symptoms intensify, impacting Arthur’s physical abilities and overall well-being. Despite the advanced medical technology available in the game, represented by doctors and pharmacies, a cure for TB remains beyond reach, reflecting the limitations of medicine at the time.
Understanding the Narrative Choice
The decision to make Arthur’s TB incurable was a deliberate narrative choice by Rockstar Games. It serves several purposes:
- Heightening Emotional Impact: Arthur’s illness and eventual death are emotionally devastating for many players. This elicits feelings of grief, loss, and empathy, making the character more relatable and the story more impactful.
- Exploring Themes of Mortality: Arthur’s struggle with TB forces players to confront their own mortality and the fragility of life. It prompts introspection about the meaning of life and the legacy we leave behind.
- Driving Character Development: Facing his own mortality, Arthur undergoes significant character development. He reevaluates his choices, strives to do good, and seeks redemption for his past actions.
- Historical Accuracy: In 1899, TB was a major public health crisis. The game’s depiction accurately reflects the lack of effective treatments available at the time.
FAQs About Arthur’s Tuberculosis
How long does Arthur last with tuberculosis?
A reasonable estimate for the total amount of time that Arthur was sick in RDR2 is around 3-6 months within the game’s timeline. The progression depends on how quickly you advance through the story.
Why didn’t Arthur spread tuberculosis to others?
The game suggests Arthur was mindful of his condition. Unlike Thomas Downes, who coughs openly, Arthur tried to maintain distance and cover his mouth when coughing. This likely reduced the risk of spreading the disease, although the game doesn’t explicitly confirm this.
Does Arthur lose weight when sick?
Yes, Arthur’s weight loss is a significant indicator of his deteriorating health. Players will notice that despite eating regularly, Arthur struggles to maintain his weight and will gradually become underweight as the TB progresses.
Can you stop Arthur from getting TB?
Currently, the only way to avoid Arthur contracting TB is to not progress past a certain point in the story. This prevents the mission where he interacts with Thomas Downes, thereby avoiding the infection. However, this means missing out on a significant portion of the game.
Can I cure Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No, there is no cure for Arthur’s TB in Red Dead Redemption 2. His death is a fixed point in the narrative.
Does Arthur get better from tuberculosis?
No, Arthur’s condition worsens over time. There is no scenario where he recovers from TB within the game.
Did Micah get TB?
Micah does not contract TB, despite directly interacting with Arthur’s blood during their final confrontation. The game does not offer a clear explanation, but it highlights the arbitrary nature of disease transmission.
Could Arthur have killed Micah without TB?
Many players believe a healthy Arthur would have had a better chance against Micah. TB significantly weakened Arthur, compromising his strength and stamina during their final fight.
Can you avoid getting TB in RDR2?
As mentioned earlier, the only way to avoid Arthur getting TB is to halt story progression before the encounter with Thomas Downes. This means you will not experience the full story.
Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?
The game suggests Dutch was aware of Arthur’s illness but dismissed it or failed to fully grasp its severity. This is indicative of Dutch’s deteriorating mental state and his increasing detachment from the gang’s well-being.
Why is Hosea coughing in RDR2?
Hosea’s coughing suggests he was suffering from a lung ailment, though it’s not explicitly stated to be TB. It reflects the prevalence of respiratory diseases during that time.
Who gave Arthur TB?
Thomas Downes is the person who transmits tuberculosis to Arthur Morgan.
Will there be a RDR3?
While there’s no official announcement, Rockstar Games has hinted at future installments in the Red Dead franchise. If history is any indicator, fans may have to wait a few years, possibly until 2026 at the earliest, for a potential RDR3.
Should I help Rains Fall or not?
Helping Rains Fall is an important part of Arthur’s redemption arc and contributes to the high honor ending. It is recommended to assist him.
Is Arthur mentioned in RDR1?
Arthur is not directly mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1. This is likely because Arthur’s story was conceived later, and his absence serves to protect the emotional impact of John Marston’s journey.
The Significance of Unavoidable Death in Gaming
Arthur’s unavoidable death is a powerful narrative device that raises questions about player agency and the role of choice in video games. While many games offer players the illusion of control over their character’s fate, Red Dead Redemption 2 subverts this expectation.
By making Arthur’s death inevitable, the game forces players to confront the limitations of their power and accept the reality of mortality. This can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience, but it ultimately enriches the narrative and makes the story more meaningful. The discussions and analyses about narrative choice in gaming can be further explored at websites like GamesLearningSociety.org and other academic resources. Delving deeper into such analyses shows how games impact us beyond mere entertainment.
Conclusion
While you cannot treat Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2, understanding the narrative purpose behind his illness can enhance your appreciation for the game’s story. It is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of the late 19th century and the enduring power of a well-crafted narrative.