What methods did Douglass take to learn to read and write?

Douglass lives in Hugh Auld's household for about seven years. During this time, he is able to learn how to read and write, though Mrs. Auld is hardened and no longer tutors him. Slavery hurts Mrs. Auld as much as it hurts Douglass himself ... He gives bread to poor local boys in exchange for reading lessons.

Frederick Douglass was initially taught how to read by his master's wife, Mrs. Auld. Mrs. Auld taught Frederick the alphabet and small words before her husband forbade her from teaching Frederick. Frederick then realized that reading could be his path to freedom and decided to learn to read at any cost.