Why does Arthur get sick in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, and its story is fraught with drama, action, and tragedy. One of the most pivotal moments in the game is when Arthur Morgan, the lead protagonist, contracts tuberculosis, a disease that ultimately seals his fate. But, why does Arthur get sick in the first place? In this article, we’ll delve into the narrative and explore the events leading up to Arthur’s descent into illness.
Initial Signs of Illness
Arthur’s illness begins towards the end of the fall season, around the "Banking, the Old American Art" mission in Chapter 4. Prior to this, Arthur notices that he’s been exhausted and coughing more than usual. He first attributes his symptoms to dehydration and fatigue, but further examination reveals that he is indeed suffering from tuberculosis (TB).
Money Lending and Other Sins III
The origins of Arthur’s TB trace back to a mission from Chapter 2, entitled "Money Lending and Other Sins III" (MLAOS 3). In MLAOS 3, Dutch sends Arthur to collect debts from the Downes brothers, Thomas and Jack, in the town of Clementsville. Thomas is stricken by what Arthur doesn’t know is TB and coughs blood on the protagonist. This proximity to the infected individual led to Arthur’s contraction.
The Spread of Infection
TB is most commonly spread through the coughing of an infected individual, which releases droplet nuclei containing the bacteria bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG). Unfortunately, Arthur didn’t adopt proper hygiene practices, neither did he wear a mask, which further augmented the risk of infection. The proximity to Thomas combined with Arthur’s lack of precautions made it a probability that he would contract TB.
The Consequence of Neglect
Dutch’s gang, along with the Van der Linde gang, is made up of rough riders who don’t prioritize illness prevention. Poor living conditions, inadequate supplies, and a lack of medical care all led to the spread of Tuberculosis within the gang ranks, affording Arthur little chance of surviving the disease.
TB in the Wild West: A Real-Life Concern
Though tubular b/c is not as prevalent currently, it was a concern in the Wild West with the rapid growth of immigration and urbanization. Settlements and towns were poorly equipped to handle the emerging disease, leading to inadequate treatment and high mortality rates.
Arthur’s Descending Health
As Tuberculosis progresses, Arthur falls victim to a series of symptoms, including intractable coughing and wasting condition. His health falters, and towards the end of the winter season, he becomes desperate for a cure. After multiple failed attempts to mitigate his symptoms, Arthur inevitably succumbs to the virus.
Conclusion
Understanding the circumstances surrounding Arthur Morgan’s contraction of Tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2 sheds light on both the narrative and the importance of proper hygiene practices within the context of the world. The game reinforces the gravity of the reality of TB in the Wild West**, where both the gang and the protagonist were unaware of the simple measures that could have prolonged Arthur’s life. Throughout the game, Arthur constantly grapples with loss, betrayal, and suffering, ultimately succumbing to the merciless grip of Disease.