This paper examines William Shakespeare's plays, "Henry IV, Parts I and II", and, in particular, looks at how Henry misjudges his son and cannot see that Hal, who is not guilty of usurpation and regicide, will be able to unite the now
divided kingdom. It shows how Henry's faults and strengths cause him to symbolically reflect the
struggle for progress, represented by the bridge between the corruption of England during Richard II's reign and the unity of Henry V's kingdom. It also explores how, after the "struggle" ceases and Henry IV dies, Prince Hal becomes King Henry V ,and the previously divided nation progresses by integration.