Final answer:
The taskmaster assigned and oversaw the work of enslaved individuals on the plantation, ensuring productivity and control. They played a significant role in enforcing discipline and maintaining social control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of the taskmaster was to assign and oversee the work that enslaved individuals had to complete each day. Under the task system, slaves were given a set amount of work to complete, and once they finished, they had some free time for themselves.
However, the taskmaster ensured that the assigned work was completed and held the slaves accountable for their performance.
The taskmaster played a significant role in maintaining control and productivity on the plantation. They ensured that the enslaved individuals met their daily work quotas and could be seen as a form of social control.
The taskmaster's authority and oversight were used to enforce discipline and ensure that the enslaved individuals were consistently working.