I agree with this analysis, and I have an answer for the reason John Marston dies at the end. Obviously it's symbolic of his past catching up to him, but I think from a storyteller's perspective it's the writers way of following in the tradition of great tragedies. Several times Shakespeare's works are mentioned(when West Dickens is speaking), and the world of Eastern literary wit is criticized. I believe the story of John Marston's life is punctuated by it being a tragedy. Yes, he could have lived with his family at his ranch and enjoyed a long, good life that moved past his previous sins. But that would not have been in the spirit of literary tradition.

And thus, in my opinion, Red Dead Redemption could easily be considered a work of literary merit for its dialogue and depth.