In the given sentence "As proud as a peacock," we need to identify the figure of speech. Let's explore the options:
1. Metaphor: This figure of speech involves an implicit comparison between two unlike things by stating one is the other. It does not use "like" or "as." Example: "Time is a thief."
2. Simile: A simile is a direct comparison between two different things using connecting words such as "like" or "as." In this case, the sentence uses "as" to compare someone's pride to that of a peacock's.
3. Apostrophe: This figure of speech involves addressing someone who is dead or absent or an inanimate object as if they were present. Example: "O Death, where is thy sting?"
4. Epigram: An epigram is a witty, succinct, and often paradoxical statement. Example: "I can resist anything except temptation."
The correct answer is Simile because the sentence "As proud as a peacock" explicitly uses "as" to make the comparison, fitting the definition of a simile.