A Trilogia das Barcas

Despite the fact there are two ferries in the play, it's called "of the Ship of Hell" because this is the destination of most of its characters after the judgement around which it is centered.

The first two characters are allegorical and biblical in origin, while the others are stereotypical representations of social classes and professions.

To the Jew who refuses to give up his earthly possessions - a goat - is denied entrance even on the Ship of Hell (a rope is thrown to him and he is dragged in the water).

The fool remains in the port, what is meant to say that he is a common and humble man but still has sins to atone.

The Act of the Ship of Purgatory (Auto da Barca do Purgatorio, in Portuguese) is an allegorical play written in 1518 by Gil Vicente.

A ploughman, who carries a plow on his back, exploited by all and whose labors and sacrifices prevent his condemnation; Marta Gil, a saleswoman who practiced small faults; A shepherd who, though a believer, yielded to temptation; A shepherdess, who also will have to atone some minor faults.

The characters of the play are the Devil, Death and several religious and secular authorities: a count, a duke, a king, an emperor, a bishop, an archbishop and, finally, the pope.