Final answer:
Cowardice is best described as actions taken because of B) fear. Among Franklin's thirteen virtues, mercy was not one. The provided passages illustrate various fear-driven motivations for escape and their emotional impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of cowardice in the context provided relates to actions motivated by fear. When the student asks about the brothers running away in cowardice, the best fit among the options provided is indeed "B. fear." This is because cowardice typically implies a lack of courage or bravery, particularly in the face of danger or difficulty. It is a term often associated with the avoidance of risks or confrontations due to fear. In literature, characters displaying cowardice usually make choices aimed at self-preservation that are influenced by fear, rather than facing challenges directly.
Regarding Franklin's thirteen virtues, the option that was not one of his virtues is "C. mercy." Benjamin Franklin's thirteen virtues were part of his moral code and included traits such as temperance, sincerity, and tranquility but not mercy.
The various passages provided shed light on the different motivating factors and emotional states related to fear and escape. The emotions range from a fear of death, the pain of separation from loved ones, and the desperation for freedom.