The Unavoidable Fate: How Arthur Morgan Contracts and Lives With Tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Morgan’s tragic demise in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most impactful moments in gaming history. At the heart of this tragedy is his contraction of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that gradually weakens him, impacting both his physical and mental state. But how exactly does Arthur contract and potentially transmit this deadly disease?

Arthur doesn’t give TB until after he contracts it. Before he is sick, he cannot transmit the disease. Arthur contracts tuberculosis through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, specifically through inhaling airborne droplets expelled by Thomas Downes, a sickly man he strong-arms for debt money. During their confrontation, Downes coughs violently in Arthur’s face, directly exposing him to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. This exposure sets in motion the events that lead to Arthur’s diagnosis and eventual passing. After this point, Arthur could transmit the disease to others, but it is important to understand the realistic circumstances of transmission versus the game mechanics. While the game doesn’t explicitly show Arthur infecting others, understanding how TB spreads in the real world helps understand the situation he faces and how he deals with the situation.

Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission in the Context of RDR2

It’s vital to understand that TB isn’t spread through casual contact. It requires prolonged exposure to infected airborne droplets. This means that someone would need to be in close proximity to Arthur while he’s actively coughing or sneezing, repeatedly, to have a high chance of contracting the disease.

While the game mechanics don’t delve into the specifics of Arthur potentially infecting others, it’s plausible that Arthur, being a man of honor at heart, would have taken precautions after his diagnosis. He likely would have tried to minimize close contact and been mindful of his coughing, inadvertently limiting the spread, if that was even an option programmed into the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arthur and Tuberculosis

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the intricacies of Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2:

How long does it take for TB to develop in Arthur?

The article mentions an incubation period of roughly 3 months. From the initial infection during the “Money Lending and Other Sins” mission to the point where Arthur’s symptoms become apparent in Chapter 5, approximately three months elapse.

Could Arthur have avoided getting TB?

In short, no. The game’s storyline dictates that Arthur must contract tuberculosis. There’s no in-game action or choice that can prevent this. The only way to technically avoid it is to halt story progression before the “Money Lending and Other Sins” mission, effectively freezing the game in time.

Why didn’t other gang members catch TB from Arthur?

While the game doesn’t explicitly address this, several factors could be at play. TB transmission requires prolonged exposure to infected airborne droplets. It’s possible Arthur consciously limited his exposure to others. Also, the game doesn’t fully simulate disease spread for gameplay purposes. The narrative focuses on Arthur’s personal struggle and not on a potential outbreak within the gang.

Is there any way to cure Arthur’s tuberculosis in RDR2?

Unfortunately, there is no RDR2 tuberculosis cure. Arthur’s diagnosis is a death sentence within the confines of the game’s narrative. Accepting this is part of the emotional journey the game provides.

How did TB affect Arthur’s abilities?

TB significantly impacted Arthur’s health. He experiences frequent coughing fits, a gradual decline in stamina, and a reduction in his health and dead eye cores. These effects intensify as the game progresses, visually representing his deteriorating condition.

Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?

The game suggests that Dutch was aware of Arthur’s declining health but was too preoccupied with his own ambitions to truly acknowledge the severity of Arthur’s condition or provide the support he needed. Dutch’s self-absorption blinded him to the well-being of those around him.

Could Arthur have beaten Micah if he wasn’t sick?

Many players believe that a healthy Arthur would have been a match for Micah. Arthur’s strength and combat skills were considerable, and TB undoubtedly weakened him, making him more vulnerable during their final confrontation. Without the illness sapping his strength, Arthur would have likely defeated Micah.

Why is Arthur coughing so much?

The coughing is a primary symptom of the tuberculosis affecting Arthur’s lungs. As the disease progresses, the coughing becomes more frequent and severe, reflecting the damage being done to his respiratory system.

What are the visual signs of Arthur’s TB?

As Arthur’s TB progresses, he becomes more pale, loses weight, and develops bloodshot eyes, especially near the end of the game. These visual cues serve as a constant reminder of his deteriorating health.

Can you prevent Arthur from dying in RDR2?

No, it is impossible. There’s no hidden quest, item, or action that can alter Arthur’s fate. His death is a crucial part of the game’s narrative arc.

Did Dutch shoot Micah because of Arthur?

While Dutch’s motivations are complex, it’s implied that Arthur’s final words, highlighting Micah’s betrayal, played a significant role in Dutch’s decision to shoot Micah. In a way, it was a delayed acknowledgment of Arthur’s loyalty and Micah’s treachery.

Why is Arthur Morgan not mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1?

This is a narrative choice. From a story perspective, John may have found it too painful to discuss Arthur, preferring to bury those memories. Also, from a game production perspective, the character of Arthur Morgan did not exist when the game Red Dead Redemption 1 was made.

What illness does Hosea have?

The game suggests that Hosea suffered from some form of lung disease, possibly a chronic respiratory illness. The exact nature of his ailment is not explicitly stated.

What gives you the most honor in RDR2?

Acts of kindness and generosity, such as helping strangers in need, donating to the camp, and showing mercy, significantly increase your honor level.

How does Red Dead Redemption 2 utilize historical context?

Red Dead Redemption 2 does an incredible job of immersing the player into the era of the Wild West with the clothing, dialogue, weapons, and culture. The game does a good job of showing the lifestyle during this time period. The Games Learning Society explores how games can function as potent learning tools, and RDR2 serves as a remarkable example of historical world-building. More can be learned at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

While Arthur Morgan’s contraction of tuberculosis is a predetermined event in Red Dead Redemption 2, understanding the disease and its potential transmission adds depth to his character’s tragic journey. The game masterfully utilizes this illness to explore themes of morality, loyalty, and the inevitability of fate, making Arthur’s story a memorable and impactful experience for players.