# X: The New Broom explained — Barriers Burned Away

> Chapter companion for Barriers Burned Away by Edward Payson Roe.

## What happens

Dennis Fleet begins his new job as a porter at Ludolph's art store, finding spiritual contentment and writing to his mother about his faith. He impresses Mr. Ludolph with his artistic eye and willingness to learn, but faces a humiliating test when a clerk orders him to black boots. Dennis handles the situation with dignity, accepting the task while asserting his boundaries, and gradually earns respect through his hard work and taste.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Barriers

Dennis experiences the tension between his educated background and his lowly porter position, especially when ordered to black boots by a clerk.

### Faith and Doubt

Dennis writes to his mother about his newfound trust in God's plan, accepting his humble role with gratitude and hope for future advancement.

### Art and Ambition

Dennis's innate artistic taste begins to emerge as he studies the store's wares and learns from Mr. Ludolph's lesson on arrangement.

## Character check-ins

### Dennis Fleet

Begins work as porter, writes to his mother about his spiritual awakening, shows artistic sensitivity, and handles the bootblack incident with dignity.

### Mr. Ludolph

Observes Dennis's potential, gives an impromptu lesson on artistic arrangement, and tests Dennis's humility by supporting the bootblack demand.

### Mr. Schwartz

The conservative, methodical store manager who is initially suspicious of Dennis's enthusiasm but gradually acknowledges his good work.

### Mr. Berder

A clerk who tests Dennis by ordering him to black his boots, sparking a confrontation.

## Key lines

> Here I am, Dennis Fleet, who a few days since thought the world scarcely large enough for what I meant to do, standing contentedly and gratefully in Pat Murphy's shoes.

Dennis writes to his mother that he now humbly accepts his lowly position as porter, though he still hopes to rise.

_Reflects Dennis's spiritual growth and acceptance of his current circumstances._

> I have learned that if I will trust Him and do present duty thoroughly, He will not forget me.

Dennis expresses his faith that God will reward his diligent work in his current role.

_Highlights the theme of faith and trust in divine providence._

> But in fact was not his possession truer than that of many whose palace walls glow with every rich gem of art, and yet whose eyes are blind and their hearts dull to the beauty they have paid for?

Dennis feels that his genuine appreciation of the art in the store makes him a truer owner than wealthy customers who lack aesthetic sensitivity.

_Emphasizes the theme of art and the value of true appreciation over mere ownership._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/x-the-new-broom
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters