Final answer:
The phrase 'The wooden table was as solid as a rock' is an example of a simile, which uses 'like' or 'as' to make a comparison between two different things.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'The wooden table was as solid as a rock' is an example of a simile. In literature, similes are used to compare two different things to illustrate a point or to create a vivid image in the reader's mind, often using the words 'like' or 'as' to draw the comparison. In this case, the table is being directly compared to a rock in terms of its solidity, which suggests that the table is very strong and stable.
Similes are a form of figurative language that can add depth and creativity to writing. They help readers visualize concepts and feelings that may otherwise be difficult to convey. It's important to note that while similes compare two things directly, metaphors do so indirectly. Additionally, a metaphor might describe something as being something else, whereas a simile would use 'like' or 'as' to highlight the similarities between them.