[Greek] διήγησις (diēgēsis), [Latin] narratio: dialogue, narrative, account, orderly account, recounted story, enactment; Lk.1:1
Hal 9000: “I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Stanley Kubrick masterfully used dialogue and sound editing in 2001: A Space Odyssey
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means narrative, oral story, or written story. The ancient epyllion, a literary device, is a summary (digest) of a longer poem or literary piece. This device introduced separate stories or episodes within a narrative. Plato’s Republic 392d states “Is not everything that is said by a fabulist (storyteller) or a poet a narration of past, present or future things? Do not they proceed either by pure narration or by a narrative that is effected through imitation? Plato’s Phaedrus 266e states, “And the narrative must come second with the testimony after it.”
Old Testament: This term refers to narrative in a conversation. Let us begin our account without adding to what has already been said (2Macc.2:32). Let these word suffice for recalling this truth. Without further ado we must go on with our story (2Macc.6:17). Be eager to hear every discourse; let no insightful saying escape you (Sir.6:35). With the learned exchange ideas; and let all your conversations be about the law of the Most High (Sir.9:15). The conversation of fools is offensive, and their laughter is wanton sin (Sir.27:13). He preserves the discourses of the famous, and goes to the heart of involved sayings (Sir.39:2).
New Testament: This term means narrative or account. The prologue in Luke’s gospel makes it clear that Luke was not part of the first generation of disciples who personally knew Jesus. Luke compiles and writes down a narrative from earlier eyewitnesses and ministers. Luke’s gospel is generally believed to have been written around 80-90 A.D. Therefore, Luke is considered a 2nd or 3rd generation Christian. Interestingly, Luke is found as a co-worker in Col.4:14, Phm.24, and 2Tim.4:11. These scriptures were written by Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome around 58-62 A.D. Luke draws upon testimony (sights and sounds) from the Apostle Mark. Paul also mentions that Luke is with him in Rome (2Tim.4:11).
Scripture:
“Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us.” Lk.1:1
Luke compiles narrative from earlier eyewitness who knew Jesus. Luke is considered a 2nd or 3rd generation Christian who was a co-worker with Paul.
Conclusion:
Digest, diegetic, non-diegetic
Greco-Roman histories are a genre that consists of a narrative. The author and narrator are generally the same person who relates information from a “bird’s eye view” and inserts his own judgment. Other non-narrative genres (poems, plays, comedies, and tragedies, etc.) use characters to show or perform this narrative (story).
These literary works, including poems (epos) were quite long (epic). Sometimes, an epyllion was crafted as a “readers’ digest” version of these lengthy works.
In the Old Testament, this term is primarily used to convey the narrative of a conversation. In the New Testament, Luke is the only Gospel writer to refer to himself in the first person. Luke also includes dialogue and episodes in his gospel. In addition to referring upon Mark’s gospel, Luke draws upon the sights and sounds from his experience as a co-worker with Paul.
To be honest, I have never had heard of the term diegetic. (Useless Words Alert need not apply!) Although you may not have actually “heard” this word before, you already know what this word is all about! A diegetic sound is what the characters (and you viewers) both hear in the film. A non-diegetic sound (voice) is a sound (voice) outside of the film (mood music or narration). Morgan Freeman comes to mind
Film industry:
Diegesis: These are the narrative elements that are shown in a film.
Diegetic sounds: Dialogue, music, sounds, etc. which can be heard by the characters and viewers (watching the film).
Non-diegetic sounds: Narration (voice-over), the voice of God, Morgan Freeman, background (mood) music, etc. outside the film. The characters cannot hear these sounds. This also may be a sound in which a character only hears (listening to music with headphones).
And now we end here in a diegetic scene (from Mel Brook’s Blazing Saddles) in riding off into the sunset. Giddy up. Time to skedaddle! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD6aM7sZHWk