Answer:
Mr. Gore's reason for killing Demby in the book is that Demby was a runaway slave (option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
Mr. Gore, as a slave overseer, was responsible for maintaining discipline and control on the plantation. When Demby, a slave, attempted to escape or was found to be a runaway, Mr. Gore made the decision to kill him as a punishment and to set an example for other slaves. This act of violence served as a deterrent and reinforced the power dynamics of slavery.
It is important to note that this justification for killing Demby is morally and ethically wrong. Slavery itself is an unjust and inhumane system, and the killing of a human being for attempting to escape is a violation of their basic rights and freedoms.
The incident described reflects the brutality and dehumanization that enslaved individuals faced during this time period. It is a stark reminder of the oppressive conditions under which slaves lived and the arbitrary exercise of power by those in authority.
In summary, Mr. Gore's reason for killing Demby in the book is that Demby was a runaway slave (option b). However, it is essential to acknowledge the deeply unjust and immoral nature of this act within the context of slavery.