How does Hillary Jordan use imagery in Mudbound?

Imagery:

"Strips of light showed between the planks, and I put my eye to one of the gaps. At first all I saw was white. Then it moved and I realized I was looking at the back of somebody's head, and that he was wearing a white hood."

"As we went by him, I traded another glance with him through the open window of the car. His eyes were defiant, and they were shining."