How does Charles Frazier use imagery in Nightwoods: A Novel?

Imagery:

"He'd be sweating all over during a fight, but his expression remained mild as Jesus in his sunbeam amid the youngster animals. Drunks and criminals could be trying to head-butt him or shove up close, nose-to-nose, spitting out vile epithets, yet the look in Lit's eye remained as if he were peering into another green and peaceful word entirely."