"I wanted to hold onto and exploit the power of narrative. This is not only a book about a great storyteller, but there have to be stories about the storyteller"

In this quote, Stephen Greenblatt touches upon the fundamental power of storytelling and its profound effect on both the writer and the audience. He starts with the desire to "hold onto and exploit the power of story", recommending a recognition of story as a potent tool for engaging and influencing people. Using "exploit" might imply a tactical or purposeful harnessing of storytelling's abilities, suggesting that story can be utilized to attain certain ends, whether that be to entertain, notify, convince, or motivate.

Greenblatt continues by emphasizing that the book in question is "not just a book about a great storyteller", however likewise necessitates "stories about the storyteller". Here, he highlights the concept that comprehending a writer involves more than simply recognizing their capability to craft narratives. It requires delving into their own story, the context of their life, and the experiences that shape them. This dual-layering of narrative-- stories within stories-- highlights the intricacy of storytelling as a craft. The storyteller's background, motivations, and personal history ended up being integral to understanding the stories they tell.

This metanarrative technique recommends that the writer's life, just like a story, undergoes interpretation, with various episodes and affects shaping their capability to tell stories. Consequently, Greenblatt welcomes readers to consider how the components of a writer's life inform their work. This approach aligns with his dedication to "keep" narrative power, acknowledging its role in comprehending humanity and society.

Eventually, Greenblatt's reflection highlights the symbiotic relationship in between the storyteller and their narratives. It celebrates storytelling not just as an art kind, however as a necessary means of exploring and expressing the intricacies of human experience, while also bringing attention to the storyteller's own journey-- a story worth telling in its own right.