The use of the broom and the title "sweeping changes" is an example of the cartoonist's use of

The use of the broom AND the title "sweeping changes" is an example of the cartoonist's use of symbolism, since the actual, physical, broom represents, illustrates, and stresses the idea of sweeping changes, which incoming President Roosevelt was about to bring. The figure holding the broom personifies or represents Congress, happily handing it to incoming President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who, in turn, receives it with expectation, while Uncle Sam and President Hoover, in the background, witness the scene with satisfaction. Major "sweeping changes" were needed in order to fix the economic depression that had had a devastating effect in the United States, and FDR seemed to be the ideal candidate to bring them about. The cartoonist used the broom as a symbol to further emphasize and play with the title and the message of his cartoon.  

This cartoon, created in 1933 by the famous Belgian cartoonist Morris (1923-2001), was published in the Hoboken Observer.  

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