Final answer:
Langston Hughes' 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' uses the river theme to symbolize African American heritage, resilience, and the universality of their struggle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The river theme developed in Langston Hughes' poem 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' carries several implications. Firstly, the naming of significant rivers like the Euphrates, the Congo, the Nile, and the Mississippi represents the river's timeless presence in human history and its connection to African American heritage. The rivers symbolize the collective experiences of African Americans and their resilience throughout time. Additionally, the river theme signifies the universality of the African American struggle and identity, highlighting the connection between different cultures. By using rivers as a metaphor, Hughes effectively communicates the deep-rooted history, strength, and interconnectedness of African Americans.