Everyman

by

Anonymous

Knowledge Character Analysis

The sister of Good-Deeds, Knowledge guides Everyman on his pilgrimage when Good-Deeds is still too weak to do so. She represents knowledge—not knowledge in general, but the specific the knowledge and teachings of the Catholic Church—and she instructs Everyman to repent for his sins and take Catholic sacraments. Knowledge and Good-Deeds are the only companions to stay with Everyman until his death, which shows that knowledge is essential for navigating life on earth, but she ultimately leaves him when he dies. This shows, allegorically, that knowledge is unhelpful on Judgment Day.

Knowledge Quotes in Everyman

The Everyman quotes below are all either spoken by Knowledge or refer to Knowledge. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Personification and Morality Theme Icon
).
Everyman Quotes

I come with Knowledge for my redemption,
Repent with hearty and full contrition;
For I am commanded a pilgrimage to take,
And great accounts before God to take,
Now, I pray you, Shift, mother of salvation,
Help my good deeds for my piteous exclamation.

Related Characters: Everyman (speaker), Knowledge, Confession
Page Number: 50
Explanation and Analysis:

But when Jesus hanged on the cross with great smart
There he gave, out of his blessed heart,
The same sacrament in great torment:
He sold them not to us, that Lord Omnipotent.
Therefore Saint Peter the apostle doth say
That Jesu’s curse hath all they
Which God their Savior do buy or sell,
Or they for any money do take or tell.

Related Characters: Knowledge (speaker), God , Five-Wits
Page Number: 55
Explanation and Analysis:
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Knowledge Quotes in Everyman

The Everyman quotes below are all either spoken by Knowledge or refer to Knowledge. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Personification and Morality Theme Icon
).
Everyman Quotes

I come with Knowledge for my redemption,
Repent with hearty and full contrition;
For I am commanded a pilgrimage to take,
And great accounts before God to take,
Now, I pray you, Shift, mother of salvation,
Help my good deeds for my piteous exclamation.

Related Characters: Everyman (speaker), Knowledge, Confession
Page Number: 50
Explanation and Analysis:

But when Jesus hanged on the cross with great smart
There he gave, out of his blessed heart,
The same sacrament in great torment:
He sold them not to us, that Lord Omnipotent.
Therefore Saint Peter the apostle doth say
That Jesu’s curse hath all they
Which God their Savior do buy or sell,
Or they for any money do take or tell.

Related Characters: Knowledge (speaker), God , Five-Wits
Page Number: 55
Explanation and Analysis: