Mrs. Auld Analysis

In the Eyes of the Mistress
In the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, the new mistress named Mrs. Auld played a significant role in Frederick Douglass' life and education. Mrs. Auld began to teach Douglass how to read - an action that was prohibited. Slave masters did not want their slaves to become literate because they not only wanted to feel superior, but also because they were fearful of the likelihood that an educated African American would recognize their substandard state of living and may rise up and revolt. In the narrative, Douglass' retells the story of when he learned to read through his point of view. Now, one will hear Mrs. Auld's side of the story and how it changed drastically from devotedly teaching Frederick to …show more content…
Auld offered Frederick a refreshment. Then, she asked him if he knew how to read. Frederick responded that he did not. Mrs. Auld thought it would be a great idea to teach Frederick how to read, especially because she knew he would be around her son. She asked him "Well what do you think about learning to read Freddy? I think it will be a great opportunity for you to learn because you will set a wonderful example for little Tommy." Frederick agreed to learn how to read. He wanted to make Mrs. Auld jubilant because he was extremely thankful for being placed with a woman like her. Mrs. Auld started by teaching Frederick the alphabet. Each day, they would review the alphabet. Mrs. Auld would say each letter and Frederick would repeat it. They continued to practice and eventually Frederick was learning how to write letters too. One day, little Thomas asked "Momma what are you and Freddy doing?" Mrs. Auld responded. "I am teaching him how to read my dear. Frederick is going to be smart son and he is going to be able to teach you some things." Thomas hugged Frederick and Mrs. Auld looked at both Frederick and Thomas with love in her eyes. She smiled graciously and told Thomas to go play because Frederick had to stay