ACCLAIMED – Elvis Presley dominated American pop music from the mid-1950s until the arrival of the Beatles in early 1964. OK, that’s definitely impressive. But it doesn’t fully explain why Elvis is universally ACCLAIMED or praised at the “King of Rock ‘n Roll.” A memorable scene in the movie Girls, Girls, Girls illustrates several key SAT words while also providing an insight into why Elvis deserves his title.
TANTAMOUNT - Elvis begins “Return to Sender” by explaining that wrote a letter to his girlfriend and then asked the postman to put it in his sack and deliver it. But early the next morning, the mailman “brought my letter back.” Elvis’ girl marked the letter, “Return to sender, address unknown.” What? Her rejection is TANTAMOUNT to or the equivalent of breaking up!
MERE – What is causing the dispute between Elvis and his girl? Unfortunately, Elvis never specifically reveals the specific reason why the two lovers are quarrelling. But he does tell us that it is a MERE or very small “spat.” Although Elvis wrote a letter saying he is sorry, his girlfriend keeps returning it.
STYMIED – STYMIED or blocked by his girlfriend’s refusal to open his letter and read his apology, Elvis now tries to send it “special D.” But once again, the unopened letter “came right back” to Elvis.
UNDAUNTED – UNDAUNTED or not discouraged by these setbacks, Elvis now promises to “take it myself and put it in her hand.” Wow, Elvis is trying really hard to find a way to end the spat. If this final effort fails, Elvis says he will understand that the relationship is over.
OUTMODED – Will Elvis and his girl save their relationship? We don’t know. Let’s fast forward to today. Handwritten letters are now mostly OUTMODED or old fashioned and out of date. Today, Elvis would send his girl a text and hope she wouldn’t delete it.
FUSION – Elvis’ performance of “Return to Sender” illustrates why he is the King of Rock ‘n Roll. His commanding presence completely captivates the audience inside the club. The YouTube clip of “Return to Sender” has over 60 million views and almost 12,000 comments. Here’s a comment that identifies the FUSION or combination of elements that made Elvis such an unforgettable performer: “Whenever people ask ‘why did teenage girls lose it over Elvis back in the 60s’ just play this clip. The voice, the look, the moves are never to be repeated. Filmed 60 years ago but looks like it was done 60 minutes ago. Truly timeless.”
ACCLAIMED – praised; extoled
TANTAMOUNT – equivalent to
MERE – small and insignificant
STYMIED – blocked; thwarted
UNDAUNTED – not discouraged
OUTMODED – old fashioned; out of date; archaic
FUSION – a combination of elements