The poem is composed of verse-paragraphs rather than stanzas and is written in tightly organized blank verse. It is largely written in iambic pentameter and is unrhymed. The poem is difficult to categorize since it incorporates aspects of all of the odes, the dramatic monologue, and the conversation poetry. However, it can be broadly divided into three sections: a prologue that sets the scene at Tintern Abbey, the main body of the poem which describes the sorrows and joys of love, and an epilogue that concludes with a prayer for the happiness of its audience. Tintern Abbey is one of England's most famous ruins and is located near the village of Monmouth, Wales. It was built by the Welsh prince Henry de Bohun between 1514 and 1520 as his family home. The poem describes how the river Severn runs behind the house and past the old oak tree before it flows into the sea. This image is used to represent many different types of love - human love for others as well as love for nature. The poem uses various styles to describe the changes experienced by the speaker as he grows older: from youth to maturity, then back to age, and finally, death. This reflects the changes that occur in everyone's life as they grow older while still retaining their sense of dignity and self-respect.