What Triggers Arthur’s Tuberculosis?
In the highly acclaimed video game Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan, the game’s protagonist, contracts tuberculosis, a disease that was rampant during the late 1800s. The illness is a significant plot point in the game, impacting Arthur’s character development and the overall storyline. So, what triggers Arthur’s tuberculosis?
The Mysterious Illness
The game does not explicitly state what triggers Arthur’s tuberculosis. However, through careful analysis of the game’s narrative and events, we can piece together the possible factors that contributed to his contraction of the disease.
Routine Mission
The game reveals that Arthur contracts tuberculosis during a routine mission to collect money lent out by Leopold Strauss, the Van der Linde gang’s loan shark. During this mission, Arthur encounters a severely ill and elderly farmer who coughs on Arthur’s face in the midst of a heated confrontation. This encounter may have been the catalyst for Arthur’s infection.
Early Symptoms
Arthur’s illness begins to manifest early on in the game, with symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are subtle at first, making it difficult to diagnose the disease. As the game progresses, Arthur’s condition worsens, and he begins to experience more severe symptoms, including fever, night sweats, and haemoptysis (coughing up blood).
Transmission
Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. In the game, the elderly farmer’s coughing on Arthur’s face may have been the source of transmission. Additionally, the crowded and unsanitary conditions of the time period may have contributed to the spread of the disease.
Other Factors
Other factors that may have contributed to Arthur’s contraction of tuberculosis include:
- Malnutrition: During the late 1800s, malnutrition was a common problem, especially among the poor and working class. Arthur’s diet, consisting mainly of coarse grains and limited protein, may have weakened his immune system, making him more susceptible to illness.
- Stress and Fatigue: Arthur’s life as an outlaw is filled with stress, violence, and constant travel. This lifestyle may have taken a toll on his physical and mental health, making him more vulnerable to illness.
- Environmental Factors: The game’s setting, the American West during the late 1800s, was characterized by poor sanitation, overcrowding, and limited access to medical care. These environmental factors may have contributed to the spread of tuberculosis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the game does not explicitly state what triggers Arthur’s tuberculosis, it is likely that a combination of factors contributed to his contraction of the disease. The elderly farmer’s coughing on Arthur’s face during the routine mission may have been the primary source of transmission, but other factors such as malnutrition, stress and fatigue, and environmental factors may have also played a role.