Vocabulary

situation (turn of events) being favorable (advantageous)

revere heaven, love people

shallow, glib and obsequious person

misrepresentation (falsification) of one's past record (personal history)

Absorbed in Letters (novel by Akutagawa)

putting on a knowing air when one only knows the title of the book (play, etc.); pretending to understand the nature of something when one only knows its name

blood relationship; blood relations; being genetically related

polish; elaboration; repeatedly working over one's writing; being very scrupulous in the choice of diction

freeloader; slacker; lazy worker who does not deserve his salary

cause (grounds) for concern (anxiety); reason for uneasiness

investigation to determine the cause (of); tracing something back to its origin

stubborn and aloof

pedantry; display of one's learning; being of a pedantic disposition

beginning (developing into) a quarrel (a fight, an altercation)

brimming with health (vigor, vigour); full of vitality; full of health

brimming with vitality; full of vigor; full of life

full of energy; full of liveliness; full of pep

devolution; delegation of authority; transfer of power

inconsistency of speech and action; failing to act up to one's words; not practicing what one preaches

accepting (acknowledging) the reality

(following) a pragmatic (policy) line (approach)

abandonment of the status quo; destroying the status quo; overthrowing the present situation

grasping the present situation; having an accurate grasp of the situation

refusal to accept the present situation; denial of the existing situation; negation of the status quo

diversionary operations

demerit system; points-off system

dogged perseverance; untiring patience

sophism; sophistry; quibbling

perception through the six senses (of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and consciousness)

fraudulent sale of worthless land (e.g. by overstating its future value)

luxurious and gorgeous; splendid; dazzling; magnificent

firm and solid; stout and durable

pair of lovers; girlfriend and boyfriend

(person of) high rank and office (exalted station); persons in high positions

big-hearted and free-spirited; daring and uninhibited

sly and crafty

youthful and endearing; rosy-cheeked and sweet

dauntless and decisive; with fortitude and resolution

laxity in official discipline; public order being in disarray

permanent and immutable