Abstract

This thesis addresses the problem of the essence and mode of existence of the objects created by sentences found in literary works. In other words, it addresses the question, "Are there such things as fictional objects, and if so what kind of being do they possess?" It investigates whether the meanings of the words and sentences used to produce fictional objects, and these objects themselves, are real, ideal, purely psychic or have another distinct mode of existence; and if the latter, it shows that these meanings or their objects have more objectivity than purely imagined objects. It addresses the question of what consequences there are in holding various positions on the ontology of word and sentence meanings that are used in the creation of fictional objects. It also analyzes the type of logical structure and nature fictional objects possess, making use of insights gained from Roman Ingarden.