Note the word “surprising.” “Friction” refers to conflict because of a disagreement of ideas or desire. If there had been a lot of friction during their marriage, would it be “surprising” that one or both wanted revenge during the divorce settlement? Not likely. “Discord,” like “friction,” refers to disagreements and conflicts. “Amicable” means to be surprisingly friendly or showing goodwill when you didn’t expect it. “Discord . . . amicable” is the correct answer.

The second sentence describes what should go in the first two blanks. We have the hints of “too many offices” and “too many tasks,” as well as her assertion that no one can care about what is “simply right and wrong.” “Bureaucracy” refers to a complicated administration made up of many departments and divisions, and the word usually has the implication that any procedure is going to be difficult and incredibly complex. “Amoral” refers to being unconcerned with whether something is right or wrong. “Bureaucracy . . . amoral” is the best choice.

“Partisan” and “biased” have a similar meaning in that they mean favoring one side and being prejudiced towards another. This is not a world to achieve through “cooperation” and “mutual respect.” “Egalitarian” refers to the idea that everyone is equal and deserves the same chance to succeed. “Amity” means that relations are friendly. “Egalitarian . . . amity” is the correct answer.

This one can be a bit tricky. “Though” in the first sentence indicates that the word in the first blank should have a different meaning than the word “benevolent.” It should also be noted that the second sentence builds off the first, indicating that he has something against clowns. “Sinister” describes something that is evil or harmful. An “anathema” is a person or thing that one positively cannot tolerate. “Sinister . . . anathema” is the correct answer.

The first blank is contrasted with the very last phrase - "longer, original tome." We know then that this version must have been shorter ("abridged"). The word "subtle" gives us a clue for the second blank. "Nuances" is the best fit here. 

The first blank refers to Melissa "watching the sky to make a wish on a shooting star" so we're looking for something like superstition or sign. "Augury" means an omen, or trying to read the future by looking at signs, so it's a good fit. The second clue is that Sonya felt this was a "childish belief." "Jejune" means naive or childish, so it works. 

It doesn’t seem logical that he would leave spiritual or sacred society and dedicate his life to “studying religion.” Therefore, “hallowed” and “pious” can be eliminated. “Secular” refers to worldly things, contrasting with anything that is religious or spiritual. An “anchorite” is someone who separates themselves from the secular world and lives a life of religious seclusion, full of prayer and study. “Secular . . . anchorite” is the best answer.

An “anecdote” is a short story about something that really happened. This story can be seen as amusing, or be deemed as unreliable or hearsay. When someone mentions that evidence is “anecdotal,” they are probably referring to the fact that it's just a personal interpretation of how things are and not based on hard facts or data. A “fabrication” is something made up. “Anecdotal . . . fabrication” is the best answer.

It seems that it is typically young people who are criticized for their inappropriate comments, but such is not the case in this particular instance. It would be unusual to think well of an elderly man who makes sexually inappropriate remarks to young women, so “approbation” and “admiration” is unlikely. The word “animadversion” refers to a critical and harsh comment. “Lewd” is sexually inappropriate and usually offensive. “Animadversions . . . lewd” is the correct response.

The clue for the first blank is "never daring to question the boss." We're looking for something like timid or scared. "Timorous" is a good fit. The word "though" at the beginning of the sentence suggests there will be a shift in meaning; therefore, Freddy works up something like "courage" (or pluck) to talk to the boss.