Why is Arthur Coughing So Much? The Tragic Tale of Arthur Morgan’s Tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2

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Arthur Morgan’s persistent, hacking cough in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is a stark and heartbreaking indicator of his descent into tuberculosis (TB). This progressive and debilitating illness serves as a critical turning point in the game’s narrative, forcing Arthur to confront his past actions and ultimately shaping the tragic conclusion of his story. He contracts the disease during a mission to collect a debt from Thomas Downes, a farmer suffering from the illness. As Arthur confronts Downes, the sick man coughs blood directly onto Arthur, thus infecting him with the disease that will ultimately claim his life. The cough, therefore, is a physical manifestation of Arthur’s mortality and a constant reminder of the consequences of his choices.

The Onset and Progression of Tuberculosis in Arthur Morgan

The initial encounter with Thomas Downes seems innocuous enough. Arthur, following the orders of Leopold Strauss, is tasked with collecting a debt from the struggling farmer. Downes is visibly unwell, and during the confrontation, he coughs blood onto Arthur. At the time, the significance of this event might be lost on the player. However, as the game progresses, Arthur begins to develop a persistent cough.

The severity of the cough gradually intensifies. It starts as a minor irritation but escalates to violent fits, often accompanied by weakness and fatigue. This deterioration is visually and audibly represented in the game, making Arthur’s suffering palpable to the player. The diagnosis comes in Saint Denis, where Arthur collapses and is taken to a doctor who confirms the devastating news: tuberculosis. From this point forward, the illness significantly impacts Arthur’s gameplay, reducing his stamina, health, and Dead Eye cores.

The disease forces Arthur to confront his mortality and question his life choices. The diagnosis marks a shift in his character, leading him to seek redemption and protect those he cares about. The cough, therefore, becomes a symbol of his inner turmoil and the burden of his past. The development of this condition and the impact on the storyline is evidence of how game design can be applied to other areas of learning as discussed on the Games Learning Society website.

The Significance of Arthur’s Illness in the Narrative

Arthur’s tuberculosis is more than just a plot device; it’s a central theme that underscores the game’s exploration of morality, redemption, and the consequences of violence. His illness forces him to reckon with his past actions, specifically the violence and cruelty he has inflicted on others. As he weakens, Arthur becomes more introspective, questioning the validity of the Van der Linde gang’s ideals and the path they have chosen.

The illness also serves to humanize Arthur, making him more relatable and sympathetic. Despite his rough exterior and violent past, the player witnesses his vulnerability and the fear of facing his own mortality. This vulnerability allows for a deeper connection with the character, making his eventual demise even more impactful.

Furthermore, Arthur’s illness highlights the harsh realities of the late 19th-century American West. Tuberculosis was a widespread and deadly disease, particularly in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Arthur’s fate is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals to disease and the limitations of medical care during that era.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arthur Morgan’s Cough

Here are some frequently asked questions about Arthur Morgan’s persistent cough and the impact of tuberculosis on his journey:

1. What specifically causes Arthur to start coughing in RDR2? Arthur contracts tuberculosis from Thomas Downes while collecting a debt for Leopold Strauss. Downes, visibly ill, coughs blood onto Arthur during their confrontation.

2. Is there a way to prevent Arthur Morgan from getting TB? No, Arthur’s contraction of tuberculosis is integral to the story and cannot be avoided. The mission involving Thomas Downes is mandatory.

3. How does tuberculosis affect Arthur’s gameplay? Tuberculosis progressively weakens Arthur, reducing his maximum health, stamina, and Dead Eye cores. He also experiences frequent coughing fits, which can hinder his actions.

4. Does Arthur always cough blood when he has tuberculosis? Yes, coughing up blood is a common symptom of tuberculosis, and it’s depicted visually in the game as Arthur’s condition worsens.

5. Could Arthur have defeated Micah if he wasn’t sick? Many players believe that a healthy Arthur would have had a greater chance of defeating Micah Bell. Tuberculosis significantly weakened Arthur, impacting his physical strength and stamina during their final confrontation.

6. Did Dutch know Arthur was sick? While Dutch may have noticed Arthur’s deteriorating condition, he never explicitly acknowledges or addresses it in a meaningful way. This adds to the narrative of Dutch’s increasing detachment from reality and his misplaced trust in Micah.

7. Is there a cure for Arthur’s tuberculosis in the game? No, there is no cure for tuberculosis in the game. The illness is terminal, and Arthur’s fate is sealed once he receives the diagnosis.

8. Does Micah ever contract TB from Arthur? No, Micah Bell does not contract tuberculosis from Arthur.

9. Can Arthur get overweight or underweight in Red Dead Redemption 2 after contracting TB? Yes, Arthur’s weight can still fluctuate even after contracting tuberculosis. However, maintaining a healthy weight becomes more challenging due to the effects of the illness.

10. How old was Arthur when he died from tuberculosis? Arthur Morgan died at the age of 35 or 36 from tuberculosis.

11. What is the significance of Arthur’s cough in the story? The cough is a constant reminder of Arthur’s impending death and forces him to confront his past actions. It also symbolizes the harsh realities of the time period and the limitations of medical care.

12. Can you kill Thomas Downes in Red Dead Redemption 2? While you can antagonize and injure Thomas Downes, you cannot kill him directly.

13. What mental state is Arthur in, during the game? He doesn’t have any mental illness or disorder but [SPOILERS] contracts Tuberculosis (TB) in the process of the game.

14. What happens if you visit where Arthur died? If Arthur had high honor when he died, then players will find the grave adorned with flowers and in pristine shape. It will read “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” a more uplifting message than what can be observed if he has low honor. There will also be an eagle sitting on top of the grave.

15. Does RDR2 accurately portray TB? The disease effects stamina, energy and the coughs portrayed in the game are accurate symptoms of TB.

Arthur Morgan’s persistent cough in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a constant reminder of his mortality and the consequences of his actions. The tragic arc of his character, marked by the onset and progression of tuberculosis, serves as a powerful narrative element that explores themes of redemption, morality, and the harsh realities of the American West. His illness, and the iconic cough that accompanies it, have cemented his place as one of gaming’s most compelling and tragic figures. For more information on the educational value of games, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.