Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote, "We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear," uses a powerful metaphor to convey a deep message about overcoming fear through courage.
- **Dikes**: These are barriers or structures built to prevent the overflow of water from a river or sea. They protect land and people from being flooded.
- **Courage**: This represents strength, bravery, and the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, or adversity.
- **Flood of Fear**: Fear is compared to a flood, suggesting that it can be overwhelming and destructive if not controlled.
King's message is that just as dikes are constructed to prevent flooding and protect land, people need to develop and strengthen their courage to prevent fear from overwhelming them. He emphasizes that fear can be pervasive and damaging, but with enough courage, it can be kept at bay. This metaphorical "construction of courage" is necessary for individuals and communities to face challenges and stand up for justice, equality, and civil rights, which were central themes in King's life and work.