Meaning: The quote you have provided is from Stephen Greenblatt, a prominent literary critic, and it appears to be discussing the storytelling style of the speaker's father. Let's break down the quote and analyze its meaning in more detail.

In the quote, the speaker introduces their father as an "obsessive life-long storyteller." This description suggests that the father had a deep and enduring passion for storytelling, and that this aspect of his personality was a defining characteristic throughout his life. The use of the word "obsessive" implies a strong and persistent commitment to storytelling, indicating that it was a central and consuming part of the father's identity.

The quote also refers to "a very peculiar trick of my father's." This phrase suggests that the father had a distinctive or unusual approach to storytelling that set him apart from others. The use of the word "peculiar" implies that the father's storytelling technique was idiosyncratic or unconventional, adding an element of intrigue to the description.

The quote goes on to explain the father's storytelling technique: "My father would tell a very, very long story, and the punch line would be in Yiddish." This description provides insight into the specific manner in which the father engaged in storytelling. The reference to "a very, very long story" suggests that the father's narratives were characterized by their length and complexity, indicating that he was adept at weaving intricate and detailed tales. The mention of the punch line being in Yiddish implies that the culmination or climax of the story was delivered in a language that added a layer of cultural or linguistic significance to the narrative.

By including the attribution "by Stephen Greenblatt Critic," the quote establishes the source of the statement as Stephen Greenblatt, a well-known critic whose work often focuses on literature and cultural history. This attribution adds authority and context to the quote, situating it within the broader landscape of literary analysis and interpretation.

Overall, the quote appears to capture the essence of the father's storytelling style, emphasizing its distinctive qualities and the impact it had on the speaker. It provides a glimpse into the father's role as a storyteller and the unique manner in which he engaged in the art of narrative, offering a rich and evocative portrait of his storytelling prowess.

In summary, the quote from Stephen Greenblatt offers a compelling reflection on the storytelling prowess of the speaker's father, highlighting his lifelong dedication to the craft and the idiosyncratic nature of his storytelling technique. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, the quote invites readers to contemplate the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of a masterful storyteller.