How does John Irving use imagery in The Cider House Rules?

Examples of Imagery:

‘[Homer] knew plenty about “mists” - they were what shrouded the river, the town, the orphanage itself; they drifted downriver from Three Mile Falls; they were what concealed one’s parents. They were the clouds of St.Cloud’s that allowed one’s parents to slip away, unseen.’

‘...the air in the immediate vicinity was alternately drowsy and sparkling with little stars.’ and ‘[Larch] lay on his back and waved his feet in the air while the firmament of stars circled above them.’