It reinforces the significance of a single word.
Answer:
We learned about unconditional love and loyalty, because Doodle loved him always, even when the narrator was treating Doodle with deliberate cruelty. We learned about gentleness and sensitivity. (We remembered watching Doodle struggle alone to bury the ibis.)
He taught himself math, and was a maker of almanacs, an astronomer, and an author. Need to know more? Go here : http://www.biography.com/people/benjamin-banneker-9198038