How does Diana Gabaldon use imagery in Outlander?

Imagery:

"The whole roiling, grunting, cursing mess was staggering toward me."

"At the hour when time began to slow, I genuflected in the aisle of the chapel of St. Giles. Anselm was there, elegant shoulders straight beneath his habit, but no other. He neither moved nor looked around, but the living silence of the chapel embraced me."