Thesis advisor: Scott T. Cummings / My Senior Honors Thesis may be understood as a two-part investigation that addresses both theoretical and practical concerns of physical comedy and the language of gesture. I will first present some of my more general findings about comedy in order to more accurately zero in on the figure of 'the Fool.' I will thereafter investigate the function of the Fool in society and report on two of his most definitive iterations: Arlecchino, of the Italian Commedia dell'Arte and Bill Irwin of the contemporary stage. These theoretical components will eventually serve as a foundation for the practical side of my project- the creation of my own physical performance piece. In the final part of this document I will outline the process of conceiving and developing a physical comedy performance all my own, referring to my research whenever possible. My hope is that this paper will serve as both an informational document about some of the most important historical influences on physical comedy and the language of gesture, as well as relate how those influences affected me in the process of imagination and creation that is the joy of theatre. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2005. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Theater. / Discipline: College Honors Program.