How does Abraham Verghese use imagery in Cutting for Stone?

Imagery:

"I leaned on a hidden panel, and much like in the comics, I'd plunged through. The falling was unintentional, but now that I was on the other side I wanted to stay" (Page 219).

"If this was what brave felt like - numb, dumb, with eyes that could see no farther than my bloody fingers, and a heart that raced and pined for the girl who hugged me - then I suppose I was brave" (Page 266).

"People change, you know. When you leave your country, you are like a plant taken out of soil. Some people turn hard, they can't flower again" (Page 475).