Why Arthur Morgan’s Hatred for Dutch Van Der Linde is a Tragedy in Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur Morgan’s relationship with Dutch van der Linde is the tragic core of Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s a bond built on years of loyalty and a shared vision that slowly erodes, ultimately culminating in a profound hatred. Arthur doesn’t begin by hating Dutch. Instead, his feelings evolve from deep respect and a father-like love to bitter disappointment and, finally, outright animosity. This transformation is driven by a series of events, primarily Dutch’s descent into madness and his unwavering trust in the manipulative Micah Bell, which forces Arthur to confront the harsh reality of the man he once admired. Arthur’s hatred is not a sudden shift but a heartbreaking realization that the leader he followed so faithfully is no longer the person he believed him to be. It’s a hatred born of betrayal, broken ideals, and a desperate struggle to protect what little goodness remains within the gang.
The Erosion of Trust and the Rise of Disillusionment
Dutch’s Moral Decline
The foundation of Arthur’s respect for Dutch rested on the latter’s apparent principles: a belief in freedom, loyalty, and a disdain for needless violence. However, these beliefs are shattered as Dutch’s actions become increasingly erratic and brutal. The killing of Angelo Bronte, who betrayed them, marks a turning point, directly contradicting Dutch’s earlier stance on revenge. This is compounded by the unnecessary murders of Gloria and Leviticus Cornwall, driven more by Dutch’s bruised ego than strategic necessity. These actions cause Arthur to question the man he followed implicitly. It’s not just about the violence itself, but the departure from the ideals that initially defined their group, a loss Arthur feels deeply. Dutch’s actions expose a growing ruthlessness and a disturbing lack of empathy, which are increasingly difficult for Arthur to reconcile with the leader he once knew.
The Poisonous Influence of Micah
The introduction of Micah Bell is a catalyst for the gang’s downfall. Arthur is immediately distrustful of Micah, sensing his manipulative and cruel nature. As Dutch begins to favor Micah over his most loyal followers, including Arthur, the cracks in their relationship widen. Micah’s influence is a constant reminder of how far Dutch has strayed from his former self. Micah actively undermines Arthur, planting seeds of doubt and manipulating Dutch’s paranoia. This preferential treatment and Dutch’s blind faith in a man Arthur knows is a snake, fuels Arthur’s resentment and sense of betrayal. The contrast between Arthur’s genuine loyalty and Micah’s self-serving agenda highlights the injustice of the situation.
Dutch’s Betrayal of Arthur’s Loyalty
Arthur’s loyalty to the gang and particularly to Dutch, is unwavering for most of the game. He puts his life on the line repeatedly, even as Dutch’s decisions become more questionable. Yet, Dutch misinterprets Arthur’s attempts to reason with him and view him as a threat, believing that Arthur will betray him for the gang’s money. This is perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of their relationship; the very loyalty Arthur demonstrates is seen by Dutch as a precursor to betrayal. This misunderstanding culminates during the final confrontation, where Dutch ignores Arthur’s desperate pleas about Micah’s treachery. Dutch’s inability to see Arthur’s truth and his rejection of his most devoted follower fuels the bitter hatred that consumes Arthur in his final days.
Arthur’s Final Disillusionment and Fight for Redemption
As Arthur comes to terms with his own impending death and the realities of the gang’s disintegration, his hatred for Dutch solidifies. The man he once admired is gone, replaced by an egomaniacal tyrant blinded by paranoia and manipulation. This shift is not solely about personal betrayal; it’s about the destruction of the community Arthur sacrificed so much to protect. Arthur’s last actions, despite his failing health, are a desperate attempt to save what can be salvaged of the gang, urging John to escape and start a new life. Arthur’s hatred is a product of witnessing the complete corruption of a man he loved and a desperate attempt to ensure that his friend and his family have a future – a stark contrast to the path of destruction Dutch has chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Dutch ever truly care about Arthur?
There’s strong evidence that Dutch did care deeply about Arthur, especially in the early stages of the game. He acted as a father figure and showed genuine concern for his well-being. However, his paranoia and descent into madness warped his feelings. It’s likely that Dutch’s affection became overshadowed by his own self-preservation and his misplaced trust in Micah.
2. Why did Dutch become evil?
Dutch’s downfall isn’t a simple case of becoming evil; it’s more of a tragic descent into madness. The pressures of the Pinkertons’ relentless pursuit, the death of Hosea, and the rapid changes in society all contributed to his mental instability. His ego and narcissism further exacerbated the situation, making him more ruthless and vindictive.
3. Why did Dutch trust Micah so much?
The game suggests that Dutch felt he owed Micah for saving his life at one point. However, this explanation seems shallow considering the numerous times others had risked their lives for Dutch. It’s more likely that Micah, through manipulation and mirroring Dutch’s own inflated sense of self, was able to exploit Dutch’s vulnerabilities, making himself indispensable in Dutch’s increasingly fractured worldview.
4. Was Micah a rat?
The game makes it very clear that Micah was the rat, selling information about the gang to the Pinkertons. This is definitively revealed when Arthur confronts Micah at the very end of the game and Micah admits to it. Although many other fan theories exist, in-game evidence points to this.
5. Did Dutch know Micah was the rat?
Dutch seems to have been aware of the possibility of Micah being a rat, but his pride and paranoia led him to believe it was more a strategic move rather than actual betrayal. This is what prompted Dutch to turn on the gang’s morales and start testing Arthur’s loyalty. He prioritized his own survival and inflated ego, which unfortunately did not work in his favor in the end.
6. Why did Micah betray Arthur?
Micah ultimately betrays Arthur because he views him as an obstacle to his own ambitions. He sees Arthur as a threat to his position as Dutch’s favorite and uses his manipulations to create a divide between them. He frames Arthur as a traitor to gain favor with Dutch and to consolidate his own power.
7. What mental illness does Dutch have?
While not explicitly stated, Dutch displays many characteristics of a narcissistic personality disorder, which is also exacerbated by a head injury. His need for constant admiration, his lack of empathy, and his inflated ego are hallmarks of the disorder. The stress and paranoia from his circumstances only worsen these symptoms.
8. Did Dutch regret killing Arthur?
The game never explicitly states whether Dutch regretted his actions towards Arthur. Given his fractured state of mind, it’s possible that he never fully grasped the consequences of his actions. However, there are subtle hints that suggest some level of remorse, particularly in his final encounter with John in Red Dead Redemption. This is left deliberately ambiguous.
9. Did Dutch ever love Molly?
Yes, it’s established that Dutch and Molly O’Shea were lovers. However, their relationship, like many things in Dutch’s life, was also turbulent and problematic. Molly was often overlooked and dismissed by Dutch, which highlights his inability to form genuine connections.
10. Why didn’t Dutch save John in the end?
Dutch’s paranoia and increasingly distorted view of the world led him to view John, and by extension Arthur, as threats. He no longer saw them as loyal members of the gang and was influenced by Micah to see them as disloyal. He had grown more paranoid and manic after Hosea’s death and the botched Saint Denis robbery, and as a result, turned on John.
11. What happens if Arthur doesn’t attack Micah while taking Dutch’s money?
Whether Arthur attacks Micah or not in this instance does not alter the ultimate story conclusion. Regardless of this action, Arthur is still left to die of his Tuberculosis. This choice does not affect the story, but does however, impact how the player feels about Arthur’s end.
12. Why does Arthur hate Micah?
Arthur’s hatred for Micah is rooted in his distrust, understanding of Micah’s manipulative nature and his role in destroying the gang. He recognizes Micah as a malicious, self-serving individual who has corrupted Dutch and eroded the values that the gang was supposed to stand for. Micah actively works against Arthur and directly harms him in the end, solidifying Arthur’s animosity.
13. Is Arthur Morgan mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1?
Arthur Morgan is not mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1, as he died in 1899 and the events of the first game are set in 1911. While the characters share the same universe, Arthur’s story is not part of the narrative of the first game.
14. Who had the saddest death in RDR2?
While it is subjective to the player, many view John Marston’s death in the first game as the saddest in the series, due to the surprise and suddenness of his passing. However, Arthur Morgan’s death is a close second for many, as it was a deeply emotional moment that showcased his sacrifice and redemption arc.
15. Will there be an RDR3?
While no official announcements have been made, it is speculated that a Red Dead Redemption 3 will eventually happen. However, given the pattern of Rockstar Games’ releases, it will likely be several years before it materializes, with 2026 being the very earliest possible estimate.