How does Umberto Eco use imagery in Foucault's Pendulum?

Imagery:

"From the birth of Project Hermes until that day, I [Casaubon] had enjoyed myself heedlessly at the expense of other people. Now they were preparing to present the bill. I was as much of a bee as the ones who wanted to attract; and, like them, I was quickly being lured to a flower, though I didn't yet know what that flower was."