Answer:
In his narrative, Frederick Douglass describes how he learned to read and write as a slave, despite the fact that it was illegal for him to do so. He explains that he was taught by his slave mistress, Mrs. Auld, who initially began teaching him out of kindness and sympathy, but was later forbidden to do so by her husband, Mr. Auld. However, Douglass notes that he learned an important lesson from both of them.
From Mrs. Auld, Douglass received the benefit of learning the alphabet and the basics of reading and writing. He says that she "possessed a noble, courageous heart" and that "she had begun to teach [him], when the fatal poison of irresponsible power was breathed into her soul." Despite the fact that she was forbidden to continue teaching him, Douglass credits her with giving him the foundation he needed to continue his education on his own.
From Mr. Auld, Douglass received the benefit of learning the true nature of slavery and the power dynamics that governed it. He says that Mr. Auld's prohibition of his education "awakened [him] to the horrible pit, and revealed the teeth of the frightful dragon that was ready to pounce upon [him]." This experience, Douglass explains, helped him to understand the true nature of slavery and the importance of education as a means of resistance and liberation.
Overall, Douglass credits both Mrs. Auld and Mr. Auld with teaching him important lessons, albeit in very different ways. From Mrs. Auld, he learned the basics of reading and writing, which gave him the tools he needed to continue his education. From Mr. Auld, he learned about the power dynamics of slavery and the importance of education as a means of resistance and liberation.