How does Jacquelyn Mitchard use imagery in The Deep End of the Ocean?

Example of Imagery:

Italians were good at this sort of thing. In a jam, Irish would tremble and supplicate theatrically; but Italians knew what matterered in this world: that everyone needed food and shelter, that an army ran on its stomach, that children had to be bathed and put to bed. Except at funerals, then they indulged hysteria at a time when it availed them least, Italians did what needed doing.