What is the use and meaning of the underlined portion of the sentence below?

The wooden splinter felt as sharp as a needle when it pierced my skin.
A.
It is a hyperbole to illustrate how the wooden splinter felt to the narrator.

B.
It is a metaphor used to compare the wooden splinter to a sharp needle.

C.
It is a simile used to compare the wooden splinter to a sharp needle.

D.
It is imagery to illustrate how the wooden splinter felt to the narrator.

C. It is a simile used to compare the wooden splinter to a sharp needle.