Why would slaveholders want to keep a slave ignorant of such a simple thing as the date of his birth?

What is the best way to revise sentence number (12)

1. the group spurned the newcomer and accepted him gladly.

Read the excerpt from infinite jest 'my application's not bought," i am telling them, calling into the darkness of the red cave that opens out before closed eyes. 'tam not just a boy who plays tennis. i have an intricate history. experiences and feelings. i'm complex. "read,' i say. 'i study and read. i bet i've read everything you've read. don't think i haven't. i consume libraries. i wear out spines and rom-drives. i do things like get in a taxi and say, "the library, and step on it." my instincts concerning syntax and mechanics are better than your own, i can tell, with due respect. the theme suggested by the excerpt is about a. being understood b. the value of education c. wisdom versus foolishness d. learning responsibility