Could Arthur Morgan Have Survived Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a grave and often deadly disease that has ravaged humanity for centuries. Red Dead Redemption 2, a critically acclaimed video game, follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a gang member struggling to survive in a lawless open range. Throughout the game, Arthur suffers from TB, which ultimately leads to his demise. But the question remains: could Arthur have survived tuberculosis if he had received proper treatment and medical care?
Short Answer: No, It’s Unlikely
The short answer is no, it’s unlikely Arthur could have survived tuberculosis. TB is a progressive disease that affects the lungs and other parts of the body. If left untreated, it leads to serious complications, such as hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and respiratory failure. In the late 19th century, when the game takes place, medical treatments for TB were limited, and antibiotics did not yet exist.
Reasons Why Arthur’s Survival was Uncertain
Late 19th Century Medicine: The medical treatments available during the late 19th century were primitive and often ineffective. TB patients were typically subjected to rest cures, diet treatments, and surgeries, which had minimal success in combating the disease. Additionally, the diagnosis and treatment of TB during this time were often delayed, allowing the disease to progress further.
Lack of Antibiotics: Antibiotics, which are crucial in treating bacterial infections, did not exist until the early 20th century. This meant that Arthur and other TB patients would have received little to no effective treatment for the infection.
Coughing and Respiration Issues: TB infects the lungs, leading to chronic coughing and respiratory issues. Arthur’s coughing fits and breathlessness in the game are stark reminders of the debilitating effects of the disease. As the disease progresses, he would have become increasingly weak and short-winded, making it difficult to survive, let alone maintain his outlaw lifestyle.
TB Progression: TB has a high rate of relapse and progression. Arthur’s TB progressed rapidly, as evident from the in-game events. In reality, even with proper treatment, TB patients risked developing resistance to the antibiotic regimen and experiencing relapses.
Modern Treatment Outcomes
Today, with modern medicine, antibiotics, and a better understanding of TB, the outlook for patients has significantly improved. TB treatment is primarily focused on combination therapy with antituberculosis drugs, which can take several months to complete. With adherence to the treatment regimen, the cure rate for TB approaches 90%.
Conclusion
While Arthur’s story is captivating, it’s essential to recognize that tuberculosis was a significant obstacle to his survival. Unfortunately, given the limited medical treatment options and understanding of the disease in the late 19th century, it was highly unlikely that Arthur could have survived tuberculosis.
| Timeline | Key Events |
|---|---|
| Early 1880s | Arthur begins to develop symptoms of TB (coughing, fatigue) |
| 1899 | Arthur discovers his diagnosis and begins self-medicating with whiskey |
| 1899 | Arthur visits a doctor in Saint Denis and receives a false diagnosis |
| 1907 | Arthur’s condition worsens, and he experiences a severe bout of hemoptysis |
| 1907 | Arthur dies, weakened by the disease |
In conclusion, Red Dead Redemption 2 provides a poignant glimpse into the life of Arthur Morgan and his struggles with tuberculosis. While the game may inspire hope that Arthur could have been saved, medical history clearly indicates that it was unlikely for him to survive the disease given the primitive medical treatment options available at the time.