Why Does John Never Mention Arthur?
John Marston, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption, is a complex character with a troubled past. Throughout the game, players are given glimpses into his backstory, but one significant aspect of his life is missing: his relationship with Arthur Morgan. Despite being raised together by Dutch Van der Linde, John’s brother-in-arms and close friend, Arthur is never mentioned by John. This raises questions about their relationship and why John chooses to keep it a secret.
Arthur’s Last Dying Efforts
Arthur’s last dying efforts, as revealed in the game, were to save the Marstons and his final words were to "not look back." This could be a reason why John doesn’t mention Arthur. It’s possible that John is still grappling with the guilt and pain of losing his friend and is unable to come to terms with the fact that Arthur is gone.
John’s Vagueness
Throughout the game, John is very vague about his past, including his time with Dutch and the gang. This vagueness could be a coping mechanism for John, allowing him to distance himself from the painful memories of his past. By not mentioning Arthur, John may be avoiding the emotional burden of reliving those memories.
The Strained Relationship
Arthur and John’s relationship was strained, to say the least. John ran away from the gang after getting Abigail pregnant, leaving Arthur and the others behind. This betrayal could have caused a rift in their friendship, making it difficult for John to reconcile their past. By not mentioning Arthur, John may be avoiding the pain and guilt associated with their complicated relationship.
The Weight of Arthur’s Legacy
Arthur’s death weighs heavily on John’s conscience. He is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the decisions he made during his time with the gang. By not mentioning Arthur, John may be trying to escape the weight of Arthur’s legacy and the guilt associated with his own actions.
A Possible Explanation
One possible explanation for John’s silence is that he is trying to protect Abigail and Jack from the truth about his past. By not mentioning Arthur, John may be shielding them from the painful memories and the trauma associated with their time with the gang.
A New Beginning
John’s silence about Arthur could also be a sign of his desire to start anew. He is trying to leave his past behind and build a new life with Abigail and Jack. By not mentioning Arthur, John may be trying to distance himself from the gang and the memories that haunt him.
Conclusion
John’s silence about Arthur is a complex issue with multiple possible explanations. It could be a coping mechanism, a way to avoid the pain and guilt associated with their complicated relationship, or a desire to protect those he cares about from the truth. Whatever the reason, John’s silence serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the weight of our pasts.