How does Heinrich von Kleist use imagery in The Marquise of O, and Other Stories?

Imagery:

"He was standing, as already described, by a pillar, and was just fastening the rope, which he hoped would release him from this wretched world, to an iron bracket attached to the cornice, when suddenly, with a crash as if the firmament were falling in, the greater part of the city was swallowed up, and buried every living creature beneath its ruins."