How does Paul Zindel use imagery in My Darling, My Hamburger?

Imagery:

"Sean walked up the balcony steps with Liz. Maggie started up after them while Dennis was getting a drink from an ornate water fountain in the lobby. She looked at Liz's graceful walk and tried to imitate her, but she knew she'd be lucky is she could even get up the stairs without tripping."

"He remembered feeling like a creature from outer space who after a million years of banishment from his home planet had at last found another exile. Two foreign spirits trapped under human skins were finally able to breathe."