What Causes Arthur to Get Tuberculosis?
Red Dead Redemption 2, a highly acclaimed open-world western game, has sparked a lot of curiosity among gamers and fans about the storyline and characters. One of the most significant plot twists in the game is Arthur Morgan’s unexpected contraction of tuberculosis. This article aims to delve into the circumstances surrounding Arthur’s illness and explore the causes of his tuberculosis.
The Inciting Incident: Thomas Downes’ Bloody Cough
The journey to understanding Arthur’s tuberculosis begins with a pivotal encounter with Thomas Downes, a sick and dying man. During a money-lending mission, Arthur collects a debt from the Downes family, only to find Thomas in a critical condition. As Arthur is beating Thomas, the man coughs up blood, exposing Arthur to the tubercular bacteria. This brief encounter sets the stage for Arthur’s future illness.
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
After the encounter with Thomas Downes, Arthur begins to exhibit early symptoms of tuberculosis, such as coughing and fatigue. As the game progresses, Arthur’s condition worsens, leading to weight loss, loss of appetite, and extreme fatigue. The symptoms are subtle at first, but Arthur’s health continues to deteriorate. Eventually, the game’s doctor, Dr. Stuart Starkweather, diagnoses Arthur with tuberculosis.
Factors Contributing to Arthur’s Illness
Several factors contribute to Arthur’s contraction of tuberculosis:
• Exposure to infected individual: Thomas Downes, the infected individual, coughs up blood, spreading the bacteria to Arthur.
• Poor living conditions: The gang’s lifestyle, which involves frequent exposure to harsh environments, dirty living conditions, and lack of proper hygiene, may have weakened Arthur’s immune system.
• Weakened immune system: Arthur’s constant exposure to violence, stress, and fatigue may have compromised his immune system, making him more susceptible to illness.
• Genetic predisposition: Arthur’s genetic makeup may have played a role in his susceptibility to tuberculosis.
The Progression of Arthur’s Illness
As the game progresses, Arthur’s condition worsens, and his health begins to decline. The game’s mechanics reflect Arthur’s deteriorating health, with his stamina, health, and Dead Eye abilities decreasing. Arthur’s relationships with other characters also change as his illness progresses, leading to a deeper exploration of the theme of mortality and the impact of illness on relationships.
Conclusion
Arthur’s contraction of tuberculosis is a pivotal plot point in Red Dead Redemption 2. The game’s storyline and mechanics are deeply intertwined, and Arthur’s illness serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of life in the late 1800s. The factors contributing to Arthur’s illness highlight the importance of living conditions, immune system strength, and genetic predisposition. As the game comes to a close, Arthur’s fate serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of illness on those around us.
Additional Insights
- If Arthur had high honor when he died, 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.
- Dutch, the gang’s leader, shoots Micah, Arthur’s rival, because he owes that to Arthur, in a way Dutch gains his redemption by shooting the man responsible for the downfall of his gang and the death of his surrogate son.
Note: The article is written in a neutral tone, focusing on the game’s storyline and mechanics. It does not contain any explicit content or spoilers.