Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Langston Hughes' poem "Preference" offers a vivid and candid reflection on the speaker's romantic inclinations, emphasizing a preference for older women over younger ones. Through a straightforward and colloquial tone, the poem explores themes of maturity, practicality, and the dynamics of relationships shaped by age and experience.

The poem begins with a clear declaration of the speaker's preference: "I likes a woman / six or eight and ten years older'n myself." This opening line immediately establishes the speaker's attraction to older women, setting the stage for a comparison with younger women. The use of the colloquial "likes" instead of "like" gives the poem an informal, conversational feel, as if the speaker is casually sharing his thoughts with a friend.

The speaker dismisses the idea of being involved with younger women, stating, "I don't fool with these young girls." This line suggests that the speaker has had experience with younger women and has found them lacking in some way. The phrase "fool with" carries a connotation of frivolity, implying that relationships with younger women are not serious or fulfilling for the speaker.

The poem contrasts the behavior and expectations of younger women with those of older women. The speaker notes that a young girl will say, "Daddy, I want so-and-so. / I needs this, that, and the other." These lines depict younger women as demanding and focused on their own needs and desires. The repeated phrase "I want" emphasizes their perceived self-centeredness and the expectation that the man will provide for them.

In contrast, the speaker describes an older woman's approach as more generous and selfless: "But a old woman'll say, / Honey what does YOU need?" This shift in tone underscores the older woman's concern for the speaker's well-being and happiness. The use of "Honey" conveys warmth and affection, while the capitalized "YOU" emphasizes that the older woman's focus is on the speaker's needs rather than her own.

The poem continues to highlight the advantages of being with an older woman: "I just ·drawed my money tonight / and it's all your'n." These lines suggest that the older woman is financially independent and willing to share her resources with the speaker. The phrase "it's all your'n" indicates a sense of trust and generosity, as the woman offers her money to the speaker without hesitation. This contrasts sharply with the earlier portrayal of younger women as demanding financial support from their partners.

The speaker's preference for older women is further reinforced by his appreciation for their ability to "appreciate" him. He values the maturity and understanding that come with age, as well as the lack of neediness: "When she conversations you / it ain't forever, Gimme." This line suggests that older women engage in more meaningful and balanced communication, free from the constant demands for material things that the speaker associates with younger women. The use of the word "conversations" as a verb, along with the phrase "it ain't forever, Gimme," conveys a sense of ease and mutual respect in these relationships, in contrast to the more transactional nature of the relationships with younger women.

"Preference" by Langston Hughes is a poem that delves into the speaker's personal experiences and preferences in romantic relationships, shedding light on the qualities he finds appealing in older women. Through a mix of humor, realism, and social commentary, Hughes explores the dynamics of relationships shaped by age, experience, and economic independence. The poem's informal tone and straightforward language make it accessible, while its underlying themes resonate with broader discussions about gender roles, expectations, and the nature of love and companionship.

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