This engraving, Arguing the Point (1885), by Nathaniel Currier, depicts a scene on the American frontier in which a printed newspaper is being heatedly discussed.

What does this depiction suggest about literacy at this time?

Arguing the Point, engraved by Nathaniel Currier (1813–88) 1855 (litho), Tait, Arthur Fitzwilliam (1819–1905) (after)/© Museum of the City of New York, USA/ Bridgeman Images