The tragic tale of Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a cornerstone of modern video game storytelling. His journey, marked by loyalty, redemption, and ultimately, a slow and agonizing demise, resonates deeply with players. Central to this heartbreaking narrative is his contraction of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that slowly chips away at his strength and spirit. Understanding how Arthur gets TB is crucial to grasping the depth and impact of his character arc.
The Unavoidable Encounter: A Pivotal Mission
Arthur Morgan’s diagnosis isn’t a random occurrence; it’s directly tied to a specific mission early in Chapter 3, setting the stage for the game’s later, more somber chapters. This encounter isn’t just a plot device; it’s a carefully crafted moment that highlights the brutal realities of the Wild West and the moral complexities Arthur faces.
Downes Ranch and the Debt Collection
The mission in question involves Arthur collecting a debt from Thomas Downes, a struggling farmer suffering from tuberculosis. Downes and his family are desperate, unable to make ends meet. Players are given the choice to collect the debt through force or with some measure of compassion. Regardless of the player’s choice, the interaction between Arthur and Downes is unavoidable.
Thomas Downes is visibly ill, coughing violently throughout the encounter. The game designers cleverly use this visual and auditory cue to emphasize his condition and foreshadow Arthur’s eventual fate. It is during one of these coughing fits, as Arthur gets close to Downes, either to intimidate him or physically subdue him, that he is exposed to the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis.
The Mechanics of Transmission
Tuberculosis is primarily spread through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These actions expel tiny droplets containing the bacteria, which can then be inhaled by others. While prolonged close contact is generally required for transmission, Arthur’s direct exposure to Downes’ cough during their confrontations creates a plausible scenario for infection.
The game cleverly uses the dust and grime of the ranch setting to enhance the visual representation of the potential transmission. The air seems thick with particles, subtly emphasizing the risk of inhaling something harmful.
The Inevitable Decline: Arthur’s Slow Demise
Following the encounter at Downes Ranch, Arthur doesn’t immediately exhibit symptoms. Tuberculosis can remain dormant in the body for years before becoming active. This incubation period is crucial to the narrative, allowing Arthur to continue his outlaw life before the disease takes hold.
The Symptoms Emerge
As the story progresses, Arthur begins to experience a persistent cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These symptoms, initially subtle, gradually worsen, impacting his physical capabilities and his overall demeanor. The once robust and formidable outlaw slowly weakens, becoming a shadow of his former self.
The game developers meticulously portray Arthur’s physical decline through visual cues. His face becomes gaunt, his complexion pale, and his movements slower and more labored. These visual changes effectively communicate the devastating impact of TB on his body.
The Diagnosis and Acceptance
Eventually, Arthur seeks medical attention, leading to the devastating diagnosis of tuberculosis. The doctor confirms his suspicions, informing him that the disease is advanced and incurable. This moment marks a turning point in the game, forcing Arthur to confront his mortality and re-evaluate his life choices.
Arthur’s reaction to the diagnosis is a mix of shock, denial, and eventual acceptance. He initially struggles to come to terms with his fate, clinging to the hope that the doctor is mistaken. However, as his symptoms worsen, he gradually accepts his impending death and begins to focus on making amends for his past actions.
Thematic Significance: Redemption and Legacy
Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis isn’t simply a plot device; it serves as a powerful thematic element within the game’s narrative. His illness forces him to confront his mortality, prompting him to seek redemption and leave behind a positive legacy.
The Catalyst for Change
The realization that his time is limited compels Arthur to re-evaluate his priorities. He begins to question the gang’s violent lifestyle and the destructive path they are on. He starts to prioritize the well-being of those he cares about, particularly John Marston and his family.
Arthur’s illness also allows him to see the world with newfound clarity. He becomes more empathetic and compassionate, recognizing the suffering of others and striving to alleviate their burdens. He seeks to make amends for his past misdeeds, using his remaining time to do good and protect those he cares about.
Arthur’s Final Acts
In the final chapters of the game, Arthur dedicates himself to ensuring the safety and future of John Marston and his family. He guides John, teaching him valuable lessons about survival and responsibility. He also uses his influence to protect John from the Pinkertons and other enemies.
Arthur’s final act of heroism is his sacrifice, allowing John to escape while he confronts Micah Bell and the remnants of the Van der Linde gang. He dies with a sense of peace, knowing that he has secured a better future for John and his family.
Historical Context: Tuberculosis in the Late 19th Century
To fully appreciate the significance of Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis diagnosis, it’s important to understand the historical context of the disease in the late 19th century. Tuberculosis was a widespread and devastating illness, particularly in densely populated areas and among the impoverished.
The “Consumption” Epidemic
During the late 19th century, tuberculosis was often referred to as “consumption” due to its debilitating effects on the body. It was a leading cause of death, affecting people of all ages and social classes. The disease was particularly prevalent in urban areas, where overcrowding and poor sanitation contributed to its spread.
Tuberculosis was also a significant health concern in the American West, where cowboys, miners, and other laborers lived in close quarters and often suffered from malnutrition and exposure to harsh conditions.
Limited Treatment Options
In the late 19th century, there were no effective treatments for tuberculosis. Doctors could only offer palliative care, such as rest, good nutrition, and fresh air. Sanatoriums, specialized hospitals for tuberculosis patients, became popular, offering a place for patients to recuperate in a clean and healthy environment.
However, sanatoriums were often expensive and inaccessible to the poor. Many tuberculosis patients were left to suffer at home, without adequate medical care or support.
Realism in Red Dead Redemption 2: Accuracy and Impact
Red Dead Redemption 2’s portrayal of tuberculosis is remarkably realistic, reflecting the historical understanding of the disease and its impact on individuals and communities. The game developers consulted with medical experts to ensure the accuracy of Arthur’s symptoms and the progression of his illness.
Authentic Symptoms and Progression
Arthur’s symptoms, including his persistent cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and weight loss, are all consistent with the symptoms of tuberculosis. The game also accurately portrays the gradual progression of the disease, as Arthur’s condition worsens over time.
The game’s attention to detail extends to the visual representation of Arthur’s illness. His appearance changes as the disease takes hold, reflecting the physical toll it takes on his body.
Emotional Impact
The realism of Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis significantly enhances the emotional impact of the game. Players become invested in Arthur’s well-being and feel a sense of grief and helplessness as they watch him decline. His struggle with the disease becomes a powerful symbol of his vulnerability and mortality, making his eventual death all the more tragic.
The way Arthur deals with his terminal diagnosis, focusing on helping others and seeking redemption, is an inspirational example of how a person can face death with dignity and purpose. This aspect of the game resonates deeply with players, making Arthur Morgan a truly unforgettable character.
In conclusion, Arthur Morgan’s contraction of tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a pivotal moment in the game’s narrative, serving as a catalyst for his personal growth and ultimately shaping his legacy. The game’s realistic portrayal of the disease, combined with its powerful thematic elements, creates a deeply moving and unforgettable experience for players. The unavoidable encounter with Thomas Downes, the gradual decline, and the acceptance of his fate are all meticulously crafted to deliver a profound emotional impact and solidify Arthur Morgan as one of gaming’s most iconic characters.
How does Arthur Morgan contract tuberculosis (TB) in Red Dead Redemption 2?
The precise moment Arthur contracts tuberculosis occurs during the “Blessed Are the Meek?” mission in Chapter 2. He and Dutch Van der Linde are tasked with collecting debts from Downes Ranch. While confronting Thomas Downes, a struggling farmer, Arthur engages in a brutal fistfight with him. During this fight, Downes coughs violently, spitting blood and mucus directly onto Arthur’s face. This direct exposure to Downes’ infected respiratory droplets is the source of Arthur’s infection.
Downes is visibly ill throughout the encounter, displaying common symptoms of TB like persistent coughing and bloody expectoration. Arthur, unaware of the potential danger, doesn’t take any precautions to avoid contact with Downes’ bodily fluids. Consequently, the direct inhalation of the TB bacteria from Downes’ cough leads to Arthur’s tragic fate. This plot point underscores the game’s themes of mortality and the consequences of violence.
When does Arthur begin to exhibit symptoms of tuberculosis?
Arthur doesn’t immediately show signs of tuberculosis after the encounter with Thomas Downes. The disease has a long incubation period, meaning it can take weeks or even months before symptoms manifest. Early symptoms, which Arthur begins to experience later in the game, are subtle and easy to dismiss as general fatigue or the result of his rugged lifestyle. These initial signs include a persistent cough, night sweats, and shortness of breath.
As the game progresses and Arthur continues to engage in physically demanding activities, the symptoms worsen noticeably. His cough becomes more frequent and severe, often producing blood. He experiences significant weight loss, weakness, and debilitating fatigue. These debilitating symptoms eventually force Arthur to confront his mortality and the devastating impact of his illness on himself and those around him.
Is there any way to prevent Arthur from contracting tuberculosis in the game?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent Arthur Morgan from contracting tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2. The moment when he gets coughed on by Thomas Downes is a scripted event that is crucial to the game’s narrative and Arthur’s character development. Regardless of player choices or actions, this event will always occur.
The inevitability of Arthur’s illness is central to the game’s themes of fate and the inescapable consequences of one’s actions. Even if players attempt to avoid the Downes Ranch mission or try to engage with Downes differently, the confrontation and subsequent infection are unavoidable parts of the storyline. This emphasizes the game’s focus on a predetermined destiny for Arthur.
What were the historical treatments for tuberculosis in the late 1800s, the time period of Red Dead Redemption 2?
In the late 1800s, tuberculosis was a widespread and devastating disease, often referred to as consumption. Treatment options were extremely limited and largely ineffective compared to modern medicine. Common approaches included rest, fresh air, and a nutritious diet. Sanatoriums, specialized hospitals for TB patients, were established to provide these conditions, emphasizing isolation and a controlled environment.
Beyond these basic measures, there were no cures for TB at the time. Doctors might prescribe tonics and remedies believed to strengthen the patient’s immune system, but these had little to no impact on the disease itself. Surgical interventions, such as removing infected lung tissue, were rare and often unsuccessful. The lack of effective treatments contributed to the high mortality rate associated with TB during this period.
How does Arthur’s illness affect his relationships with other characters in the game?
Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis profoundly impacts his relationships with other characters. Initially, he tries to conceal his illness, but as his condition worsens, it becomes impossible to hide. His declining health forces him to confront his own mortality and re-evaluate his priorities. This leads to significant changes in his interactions with members of the Van der Linde gang.
He becomes more protective of those he cares about, particularly John Marston and his family, striving to ensure their safety and future. His relationship with Dutch deteriorates as Arthur begins to question Dutch’s leadership and increasingly reckless decisions. The illness ultimately serves as a catalyst for Arthur’s redemption arc, prompting him to seek a more meaningful legacy beyond the gang’s criminal activities.
Does the game accurately portray the progression and impact of tuberculosis?
Red Dead Redemption 2 generally provides a realistic depiction of tuberculosis’ progression and impact during the late 19th century. The game accurately portrays the common symptoms, such as persistent coughing, bloody expectoration, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats. The gradual deterioration of Arthur’s health reflects the chronic nature of the disease.
Furthermore, the game showcases the limited treatment options available at the time and the devastating social consequences of the disease. The lack of a cure and the stigma associated with TB are evident in the characters’ reactions to Arthur’s illness. While some dramatic liberties may be taken for narrative purposes, the core aspects of TB’s progression and impact are grounded in historical accuracy.
What is the significance of Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis diagnosis in the overall narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2?
Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis diagnosis is a crucial plot point that profoundly shapes the narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2. It serves as a catalyst for his character arc, forcing him to confront his mortality and re-evaluate his life choices. The diagnosis underscores the themes of redemption, fate, and the consequences of violence that are central to the game’s story.
The illness transforms Arthur from a hardened outlaw to a more introspective and compassionate individual. He grapples with his past actions and strives to make amends, seeking to protect those he cares about and leave behind a positive legacy. The tragic nature of his fate emphasizes the harsh realities of the Wild West and the cyclical nature of violence and loss.