Meaning: Jane Fonda's quote, "I'm an assistant storyteller. It's like being a waiter or a gas-station attendant, but I'm waiting on six million people a week, if I'm lucky," provides insight into the role of actors and entertainers as storytellers and the impact they have on a large audience. In this quote, Fonda compares her role as an actress to that of a service provider, emphasizing the responsibility and reach of her storytelling.

As an actress, Fonda sees herself as an "assistant storyteller," highlighting the collaborative nature of storytelling and the role she plays in bringing stories to life. The term "assistant" implies a supportive role, indicating that while she is integral to the storytelling process, she also recognizes that she is part of a larger creative team. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of storytelling and the contributions of many individuals in bringing narratives to audiences.

Furthermore, Fonda's comparison of her role to that of a waiter or gas-station attendant illustrates the idea of serving an audience. Just as a waiter serves meals or a gas-station attendant assists customers with fuel and services, Fonda sees her role as providing a service to her audience through the stories she helps to tell. This analogy underscores the idea that storytelling is a form of service, as it seeks to engage, entertain, and provoke thought in those who experience the stories being told.

The mention of "waiting on six million people a week, if I'm lucky" highlights the vast scale of Fonda's audience and the potential impact of her storytelling. In today's digital age, with the widespread reach of film, television, and other media platforms, entertainers and actors have the ability to reach millions of people around the world. This immense reach underscores the responsibility and influence that comes with being a storyteller in the public eye.

Fonda's quote also sheds light on the power of storytelling to shape perspectives, evoke emotions, and spark meaningful conversations. As an assistant storyteller, she recognizes the privilege and opportunity to connect with a large and diverse audience, potentially influencing their thoughts and feelings through the narratives she helps to bring to life.

In conclusion, Jane Fonda's quote captures the essence of the role of entertainers and actors as storytellers with a significant impact on a wide audience. Through her comparison to service-oriented professions and her acknowledgment of the scale of her audience, Fonda emphasizes the responsibility and privilege of being a storyteller. Her words serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling to entertain, inspire, and resonate with millions of people worldwide.