How does Maeve Binchy use imagery in Light a Penny Candle?

Imagery:

"She hoped the child wouldn't be a frightened pickaheen of a thing, afraid to open her mouth. Then it would really be out of the frying pan and into the fire for the girl...the blitz of London or the noisy O'Connors in full cry. It would be hard to know which was worse."

"The May sunshine fell on the table and on Violet's restless thin hands, which twisted and turned as she spoke."