Scythe Pts. 1 & 2 Vocabulary Words

What does the word 'obsequious' mean in the sentence: 'You have no idea how tedious it gets—the pandering, the obsequious flattery, the endless parade of sycophants.'?

• Submissive or fawning

• Aggressive or hostile

• Indifferent or apathetic

• Joyful or exuberant

What does the word 'obtuse' mean in the sentence: 'Perhaps this was the son of one of their friends—but this kind of subterfuge was pretty obtuse, even for them.'?

• Dull or insensitive

• Sharp or quick-witted

• Transparent or obvious

• Complicated or intricate

What does the word 'catharsis' mean in the sentence: 'Catharsis could only gather around the theme of love, which, considering that they were strangers trapped in an opera box, was far more uncomfortable than cathartic.'?

• A release of emotional tension

• A state of confusion

• A feeling of discomfort

• A sense of excitement

What does the word 'austerity' mean in the sentence: 'Austerity was a choice, for there were always those who shunned the plenty of the postmortal world.'?

• A state of plenty and abundance

• A state of self-imposed simplicity and restraint

• A type of postmortal world

• A choice to embrace luxury

What does the word 'vapid' mean in the sentence: 'I will not tolerate childish pastimes or vapid communications with friends.'?

• Lively and engaging

• Dull and uninteresting

• Complex and intricate

• Friendly and sociable

What does the word 'impervious' mean in the sentence: 'I thought that the simplicity of the scythe commandments made them impervious to scrutiny.'?

• Unable to be affected by

• Easily influenced

• Open to criticism

• Transparent

What does the word 'malfeasance' mean in the sentence: 'I have before me an anonymous note,' the High Blade said, 'which accuses Honorable Scythe Goddard of malfeasance.'?

• A commendable act

• A wrongful act

• A legal procedure

• A formal agreement

What does the word 'mellifluous' mean in the sentence: 'Don’t think ill of him,' Scythe Curie told Rowan and Citra, her voice mellifluous, yet sharp at the same time.'?

• Sweet and musical

• Harsh and grating

• Loud and booming

• Soft and whispering

Let every last one of them glean themselves, and we can be done with their self-loathing, sanctimonious ways. (p. 162)

• What is the suggested solution to deal with their self-loathing, sanctimonious ways?

• Who should glean themselves according to the statement?

• What page is the statement from?

• What is the tone of the statement?

I see a day when new scythes will be chosen not because of some esoteric moral high ground, but because they enjoy the taking of life. (p. 162)

• New scythes will be chosen for their enjoyment of taking life.

• New scythes will be chosen for their moral high ground.

• New scythes will be chosen for their intelligence.

• New scythes will be chosen for their compassion.