Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
Merlin was aware that his mother knew how to read and write, but it had never bothered him. He knew that his mother did not have the resources necessary to teach him such a skill.
However, the longer he stayed in Camelot, the more he regretted not knowing how to read and write. Living with Gaius, he was surrounded by various books and things every day. He was even more aware of this as he sat at the table in Gaius' workshop, flipping through a book.
His eyes scanned the pages, but they never settled on an actual word. To him, the book was useless. It contained nothing but incomprehensible scribbles. He knew that it didn't have to remain that way. Looking at Gaius, Merlin asked, "Gaius, do you think you could teach me to read and write?"
For a moment, Gaius just stared at Merlin. "Are you telling me that your mother never taught you?"
Merlin nodded his head and replied, "I knew that she had the skills, but she always lacked the resources necessary to teach me."
"Well, Merlin. I would be delighted to teach you," Gaius responded. With those words, Merlin opened himself to a whole new world.
It has always bothered me that Merlin could read on the show. However, it doesn't really matter in the big picture. I think that this little chapter has been one of favorites.
