  We present several new theorems concerning the first fundamental group of a
path connected metric space. Among the results proven are strengthenings of the
main theorems of \cite{Sh2} and \cite{CoCo}. A compactness theorem for the
fundamental group of a Peano continuum is given. A useful characterization for
the shape kernel of a locally path connected space is presented, along with a
very succinct proof of the fact that for such a space the Spanier and shape
kernel subgroups coincide (see \cite{BF}). We also show that a free
decomposition of the fundamental group of a locally path connected Polish space
cannot be nonconstructive. Numerous other results and examples illustrating the
sharpness of our theorems are provided.
