Why Does Dutch Leave John the Money?
Dutch leaves John the money as a symbol of redemption and a way to make amends for his past mistakes, particularly after realizing his betrayal of John and the harm caused by his paranoia and recklessness. This act of leaving the money, assumed to be the Blackwater money, signifies a moment of clarity and regret in Dutch’s character, as he finally acknowledges the damage he has done to those he once considered family.
Background and Context
To understand why Dutch leaves John the money, it’s essential to delve into the complex relationships and conflicts within the Van der Linde gang, particularly between Dutch, John, and other key members like Arthur Morgan and Micah Bell. The dynamics of the gang, influenced by Dutch’s narcissistic personality and his desire for freedom and rebellion, set the stage for the eventual downfall of the gang and the tragic events that unfold.
Dutch’s Character Evolution
Dutch’s decision to leave John the money is a pivotal moment in his character evolution, marking a point where he begins to question his own morality and the consequences of his actions. This self-reflection is prompted by his encounters with John and Sadie, which force him to confront the harm he has caused and the loyalty he has betrayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Dutch not want to save John?: Dutch refused to rescue John, believing him to be a “doubter! and a traitor” who he no longer cared for, and was angered when Arthur and Sadie went behind his back to rescue him.
- Why did John leave Dutch?: John left Dutch due to Dutch’s growing paranoia and recklessness, which made him a threat to John’s family and well-being.
- Why did Dutch let Micah stay?: Dutch let Micah stay because Micah had saved his life, and Dutch felt a sense of loyalty and obligation towards him.
- Why does Dutch betray Arthur?: Dutch betrays Arthur due to his own narcissism and paranoia, which leads him to believe that Arthur is plotting against him.
- Why does Arthur hate Micah?: Arthur hates Micah because Micah betrayed the gang by selling information to the Pinkertons, leading to the gang’s downfall.
- Did Dutch regret killing Arthur?: While it’s not explicitly stated, Dutch’s actions and body language suggest that he may have felt regret or remorse for his role in Arthur’s death.
- What does Dutch do after killing Micah?: After killing Micah, Dutch walks away, symbolizing his abandonment of his past life and his attempt to redeem himself.
- Did Dutch ever know Micah was the rat?: Dutch eventually realizes that Micah was the traitor who had been selling information to the Pinkertons, leading to the gang’s downfall.
- Why did Dutch hate Colm?: Dutch hated Colm because Colm had killed his lover, Annabelle, in retribution for Dutch killing Colm’s brother.
- Why didn’t Dutch save Arthur from Micah?: Dutch didn’t save Arthur from Micah because he misjudged Arthur’s intentions and believed that Arthur was plotting against him.
- Does John know Micah killed Arthur?: While it’s not explicitly stated, John likely knows that Micah was responsible for Arthur’s death, given his knowledge of Micah’s betrayal.
- Can John get Dutch’s money?: Yes, John can get Dutch’s money, which is assumed to be the Blackwater money, and he receives roughly $20,000.
- What did Colm do to Annabelle?: Colm killed Annabelle in retribution for Dutch killing his brother, making her a casualty of the feud between Dutch and Colm.
- Was Dutch evil in RDR2?: Dutch’s actions in RDR2 are morally ambiguous, and while he commits evil acts, his motivations and backstory add complexity to his character.
- What mental illness does Dutch have in RDR2?: Dutch exhibits traits of narcissistic personality disorder, characterized by his grandiosity, lack of empathy, and impulsivity.
Conclusion
Dutch’s decision to leave John the money is a poignant moment in the game, symbolizing his regret and redemption. Through his character evolution and the complex relationships within the Van der Linde gang, the game provides a thought-provoking exploration of morality, loyalty, and the human condition.