How does Don DeLillo use imagery in The Names?

Example of Imagery:

"The gift was his, the whole language of the spirit which was greater than Latin or French was not to be seized in his pityfull mouth. His tongue was a rock, his ears were rocks. This was his queer description of the situation, mumbled in his mind. He wanted to strike himself silly, but his hand was stade by the rathful look of the preacher."