How does Kate Atkinson use imagery in Behind the Scenes at the Museum?

Imagery:

"Lillian had a bit more life about her—with her lovely slanting eyes, like a cat, and the feeling you got that secretly she was laughing at everything as if she knew what a piece of nonsense the world was."

"I'm waiting for Bunty to say something like 'I told you to be more careful!' but to my surprise she says nothing at all and pulls me towards her, wrapping me in the shelter of her dressing-gowned arms and, for once, the invisible cord between us shrivels and shirrs to nothing as bridge the three-foot chasm."