On the Fifth Terrace we meet the avaricious, which is an almost over-crowded ledge where the Pilgrim and Virgil struggle to find a place for their feet.
The souls are faced down forced to the ground, reflecting their excessive greed for Earthly goods in their Earthly life. The examples for offsetting this vice is embracing a simple life in poverty, and of being Generous.
We’ll also meet the Roman poet Statius on this Terrace – who becomes a big figure and source of new learning as a Guide. He’s spent over 400 years on the Terrace of Sloth, and over 500 years on the Terrace of Avarice – and is now ready for the Garden of Eden. The moment this occurs is symbolized with the whole mountain of Purgatory trembling, and all the souls singing out “Gloria in Excelsis“, in one unified voice.