When Did Arthur Morgan Find Out About Tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
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The pivotal moment when Arthur Morgan discovers he has tuberculosis occurs at the very end of Chapter 5 of Red Dead Redemption 2. Following a collapse in Saint Denis, Arthur is taken to a doctor who delivers the devastating news that he has contracted the disease and that it is terminal. This diagnosis marks a significant turning point in the game’s narrative, impacting Arthur’s actions, relationships, and the overall tone of the story moving forward.
The Unfolding of Arthur’s Illness
Arthur’s journey with tuberculosis isn’t a sudden event; it’s a slow, agonizing descent into illness. The game subtly hints at his condition before the formal diagnosis, but it’s in the doctor’s office that the full weight of the situation is made clear.
The Initial Encounter
The seeds of Arthur’s illness are sown much earlier in the game during the “Money Lending and Other Sins III” mission. During this quest, Arthur is tasked by Leopold Strauss to collect a debt from Thomas Downes, a man visibly suffering from tuberculosis. A violent altercation between Arthur and Downes during this encounter ultimately leads to Arthur contracting the disease.
Symptoms and Subtle Hints
Even before the formal diagnosis, astute players might notice changes in Arthur’s character. He starts to experience a persistent cough, becomes more fatigued, and generally seems unwell. These symptoms aren’t just random; they are deliberate cues to the player that something is wrong, creating a sense of impending doom.
The Doctor’s Devastating Diagnosis
It is at the end of Chapter 5 after Arthur passes out and ends up at the doctor’s that his health is fully addressed and revealed. The doctor does not mince words in informing Arthur of his illness. This stark declaration changes everything for Arthur and the player, shifting the game from an open-world adventure to a narrative focused on redemption and coming to terms with mortality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur’s Tuberculosis
To further explore Arthur’s illness and its impact, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. When does Arthur start showing symptoms of TB?
While the exact timing varies from player to player, Arthur starts exhibiting symptoms such as coughing and fatigue around Chapter 5, although the infection was likely contracted earlier.
2. How does Arthur get TB from Downes?
Arthur contracts TB from Thomas Downes during a violent encounter in which Arthur is exposed to Downes’ infected bodily fluids. Specifically, it’s implied that Downes coughed blood onto Arthur’s face.
3. What is the mission where Arthur contracts TB?
The mission where Arthur contracts tuberculosis is “Money Lending and Other Sins III”, where he shakes down Thomas Downes for debt.
4. Can Arthur avoid getting TB?
Unfortunately, no, Arthur cannot avoid contracting tuberculosis. It is a fixed plot point essential to the story of Red Dead Redemption 2.
5. Is there any way to save Arthur from TB?
The only way to “save” Arthur is to stop progressing through the story missions before his death. In that case, he will remain technically alive, but this is not a cure.
6. How does TB affect Arthur’s gameplay?
As TB progresses, Arthur’s physical abilities are impacted, such as his stamina and health. He will frequently cough and show visual signs of illness.
7. Why does Arthur cough so much in RDR2?
Arthur’s persistent cough is a direct result of his tuberculosis. It is one of the most prominent symptoms and a constant reminder of his declining health.
8. Could Arthur have killed Micah without TB?
It is highly probable that a healthy Arthur would have been able to defeat Micah more easily. Tuberculosis weakened Arthur’s immune system, making him more vulnerable.
9. Why didn’t any of Arthur’s friends catch TB from him?
Tuberculosis spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as through coughing. While Arthur coughs throughout the game, he doesn’t directly share bodily fluids with his fellow gang members.
10. How long is Arthur sick with TB?
Arthur is sick for approximately 3-6 months in-game. This timeframe encompasses the progression of his symptoms and the eventual impact of the disease on his life and choices.
11. What chapter does the doctor diagnose Arthur with TB?
The formal diagnosis is delivered at the end of Chapter 5 when Arthur is brought to a doctor in Saint Denis.
12. Did Arthur have TB before the encounter with Downes?
No, Arthur did not have TB before his encounter with Thomas Downes. The mission with Downes is the catalyst for his infection.
13. Why is Hosea coughing throughout the game?
Hosea, unlike Arthur, does not have tuberculosis. It’s implied that he has some other form of lung disease, which is referenced by Dutch and other gang members.
14. Why does Micah not get TB from Arthur when cut?
The game does not explain the difference of how TB infects Arthur and why Micah doesn’t get it from Arthur. The game simply shows how Arthur gets infected from blood being coughed on his face, whereas Micah comes into contact with the blood in a different way with a blade wound.
15. Was Arthur mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1?
No, Arthur Morgan is not mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1. Because Arthur was not present during the events of RDR1 it is speculated that the characters found it too painful to bring him up.
The Narrative Significance of Arthur’s Diagnosis
Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis is more than just a plot device; it’s the core element that drives the final chapters of Red Dead Redemption 2. It shapes his character arc, leading to a period of introspection, growth, and a search for redemption. Knowing that his time is limited, Arthur becomes more reflective about his past actions and aims to make amends before his inevitable end. The TB diagnosis serves as a poignant reminder of mortality, underscoring the game’s deeper themes of loss, legacy, and the human condition. This disease adds a significant layer of depth to the narrative, making the story all the more impactful.