How does Ryszard Kapuscinski use imagery in Imperium?

Imagery:

"Before they'd taken a few drags on their cheap tobacco, they had already set up a cannon in the square and started firing at the church."

"Because of Lenin a river of blood flowed in the Soviet Union, an ocean of blood was spilled. All this was done in the name of creating paradise on earth. Paradise! Ha, ha! And today we are walking around without pants."