Who Gave Arthur TB in Red Dead Redemption 2? Unraveling the Tragedy
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The grim answer to the question of who gave Arthur Morgan tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2 is Thomas Downes. This encounter, a pivotal and heartbreaking moment in the game, sets in motion the tragic arc of Arthur’s character, leading to his inevitable demise. Arthur contracts the disease during a debt collection mission early in the game, permanently altering his path and the course of the narrative.
The Fateful Encounter at Downes Ranch
Arthur, under the direction of Leopold Strauss, is tasked with collecting debts from the less fortunate. Among these debtors is Thomas Downes, a struggling farmer at Downes Ranch. During the confrontation, Downes, visibly weakened by tuberculosis, coughs blood into Arthur’s face while Arthur is attempting to collect the debt. This scene is not merely a plot point; it’s a visually and emotionally impactful moment that underscores the ruthlessness of the Van der Linde gang’s methods and the unforeseen consequences that can arise from even seemingly minor actions.
The game doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutal reality of the time period, and tuberculosis was a widespread and devastating illness. The graphic representation of Downes’ condition and the way Arthur is exposed to the disease highlights the vulnerability of individuals in that era to infectious diseases.
The Slow Burn of Arthur’s Deterioration
Following the encounter with Downes, Arthur doesn’t immediately show symptoms. It’s a slow, insidious progression. Several in-game chapters pass before Arthur is officially diagnosed with tuberculosis. This slow burn allows players to become more deeply invested in Arthur’s character and his relationships with the other members of the gang. The realization of his illness, delivered by a doctor in Saint Denis, is a moment of stark clarity, forcing Arthur (and the player) to confront his mortality.
From that point on, Arthur’s physical and mental state deteriorates. He experiences coughing fits, fatigue, and weight loss. His appearance changes, reflecting the toll the disease is taking on his body. This decline isn’t just aesthetic; it affects Arthur’s gameplay, impacting his stamina and overall performance.
The Impact on Arthur’s Redemption Arc
Arthur’s diagnosis becomes the catalyst for his redemption arc. Confronted with his own mortality, he begins to question the choices he’s made and the path he’s been following. He seeks to make amends for his past actions and to ensure the safety and well-being of those he cares about, particularly John Marston and his family. The Games Learning Society could analyze the narrative structures in RDR2, in this case Arthur’s redemption arc, and its potential to create empathy and reflection about real-life issues.
This transformation is a core theme of Red Dead Redemption 2. Arthur’s illness forces him to reconsider his values and priorities. It drives him to seek meaning and purpose in his remaining time, turning him from a hardened outlaw into a man capable of empathy, compassion, and self-sacrifice.
Can Arthur Avoid TB?
Sadly, no. Within the confines of the main storyline, Arthur’s fate is sealed. However, players can technically prolong Arthur’s life indefinitely by avoiding progressing too far in the story. This means delaying certain missions and spending time exploring the open world, hunting, and engaging in side activities.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Arthur’s TB
Here are fifteen frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the specifics of Arthur Morgan’s battle with tuberculosis:
1. What exactly is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that typically affects the lungs, though it can affect other parts of the body. It is caused by a type of bacteria and is spread through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or speak. In the time period of Red Dead Redemption 2, TB was a significant public health concern with limited treatment options.
2. How contagious is tuberculosis?
While TB is spread through the air, it’s not as easily transmitted as the common cold or flu. It typically requires prolonged, close contact with an infected individual for transmission to occur. This explains why not all members of the Van der Linde gang contracted the disease.
3. Could Arthur have avoided getting TB?
Within the established narrative of the game, Arthur’s contraction of TB is unavoidable if you progress through the story. It’s a crucial plot point that drives his character development.
4. What are the symptoms of TB that Arthur experiences?
Arthur experiences a range of symptoms, including a persistent cough, bloody sputum, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and fever. These symptoms gradually worsen as the disease progresses.
5. How long does Arthur live after contracting TB?
Arthur lives approximately 3-6 months after contracting tuberculosis. This timeframe allows for the events in Rhodes, Saint Denis, and the ultimate unraveling of the Van der Linde gang.
6. Does Arthur blame Thomas Downes for his illness?
Initially, Arthur is angry and resentful. However, as he comes to terms with his mortality, he seeks to help Downes’ widow, Edith, and their son, recognizing the shared humanity of their circumstances.
7. Can you cure Arthur’s TB in the game?
No. There is no cure for Arthur’s tuberculosis within the gameplay mechanics of Red Dead Redemption 2. His fate is predetermined.
8. Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?
It’s heavily implied that Dutch is aware of Arthur’s declining health, but he is too consumed by his own ambitions and paranoia to acknowledge it or offer support. This highlights Dutch’s descent into madness and his failure as a leader.
9. Why didn’t other members of the gang contract TB from Arthur?
As explained in the article, tuberculosis isn’t as contagious as many people think and is contracted by direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Arthur would have had to directly expose others to his saliva or blood for them to contract the disease, which he avoided doing.
10. Does Arthur’s honor level affect his death?
Yes, Arthur’s honor level affects the manner of his death. With high honor, he dies peacefully watching the sunrise. With low honor, he is killed by Micah.
11. What happens to Edith and Archie Downes after Arthur helps them?
The game doesn’t explicitly state their fate after Arthur’s death. However, Arthur’s contributions help them to escape their poverty and make a fresh start. The fate of Edith and Archie remains ambiguous but hopeful.
12. How old was Arthur when he died?
Arthur Morgan dies at the age of 35 or 36, a relatively young age that underscores the tragedy of his circumstances.
13. Can you play as Arthur after he dies?
No, you cannot continue playing as Arthur after his death in the main storyline. The game transitions to playing as John Marston. However, you can revert to earlier saves to continue playing as Arthur before he contracts TB or before his death.
14. Why did Dutch betray Arthur?
Dutch’s betrayal of Arthur is multifaceted, stemming from his growing paranoia, his ambition for “one more score,” and the manipulative influence of Micah. Dutch’s inability to accept Arthur’s differing viewpoints also contributes to the breakdown of their relationship.
15. Does Micah contract TB?
Micah does not contract TB. This is one of the many reasons people consider the conclusion of RDR2 a betrayal by the writers, that Micah could have contracted TB as karma for his actions.
In conclusion, Thomas Downes is the individual who transmits tuberculosis to Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2. This event is a crucial catalyst for Arthur’s character development and the overarching themes of mortality, redemption, and the human condition explored within the game. The encounter at Downes Ranch remains a powerful and unforgettable moment in video game history. To learn more about the intersection of games and learning, please visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.