Why Would Dutch Side with Micah?
Dutch van der Linde, the infamous leader of the Van der Linde gang in Red Dead Redemption 2, is a complex character with motives that are often shrouded in mystery. One of the most pressing questions in the game is why Dutch sides with Micah, his adopted son, despite the latter’s questionable moral compass and growing influence over Dutch’s decisions. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Dutch’s allegiance to Micah and explore the consequences of this relationship.
A Sense of Loyalty and Duty
Micah’s Early Years: Micah’s early years with the gang, under Dutch’s watchful eye, forged a strong bond between the two. Dutch saw Micah as a son, and his devotion to the boy was unwavering. Micah’s loyalty and dedication to Dutch and the gang reinforced Dutch’s trust in him.
Moral Justification: Throughout the game, Dutch’s actions and justifications for them are deeply rooted in his moral code. He believed that Micah was the only person who truly understood his vision for a utopian society, free from the constraints of the law. Dutch saw Micah as a reflection of himself, and by siding with him, he was fulfilling his sense of duty to protect and guide this younger, more impressionable member of the gang.
Fear of Loss: Dutch’s attachment to Micah is also fueled by his fear of losing the only family he has left. The deaths of his closest companions, including Hosea, weigh heavily on Dutch, leaving him vulnerable and isolated. Micah’s presence in his life provides a sense of security and companionship, making Dutch more likely to side with him as a means of preserving their relationship.
Influence of Redemption and Reckoning: The theme of redemption and reckoning permeates Dutch’s narrative. Micah’s unwavering loyalty to the gang and Dutch’s ideals reinforces Dutch’s perception of himself as a protector and leader. By siding with Micah, Dutch is, in a twisted way, seeking redemption for his past mistakes and validating his decisions.
Contrast to Arthur: The relationship between Dutch and Micah can be contrasted with that of Dutch and Arthur Morgan. While Arthur, the protagonist of the game, was initially loyal to Dutch but ultimately became disillusioned with the gang’s activities, Micah remains fiercely dedicated to Dutch’s ideology. This dichotomy highlights Dutch’s perception of Micah as the one person who truly understands and shares his values.
The Consequences of Loyalty
Dutch’s loyalty to Micah has severe consequences for the gang and ultimately leads to the downfall of the Van der Linde gang. Micah’s manipulation of Dutch, combined with his own brutal nature, leads to the gang’s descent into chaos and destruction. By siding with Micah, Dutch inadvertently contributes to the gang’s demise and the loss of his own redemption.
A Tragic Lesson
Dutch’s blind loyalty to Micah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked emotions and the consequences of misguided decisions. While Dutch’s intentions may have been good, his failure to recognize Micah’s true nature and the harm caused by his actions ultimately lead to tragedy. The story of Dutch and Micah’s complex relationship serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of loyalty and duty, and the importance of self-reflection and critical thinking.
Conclusion
Dutch’s decision to side with Micah is a pivotal moment in Red Dead Redemption 2, driven by his sense of loyalty, duty, and fear of loss. While his actions are rooted in his moral code and misguided ideals, they ultimately lead to catastrophic consequences. The story of Dutch and Micah’s complicated relationship serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of self-awareness, critical thinking, and the dangers of unchecked emotions.