Meaning: The quote "There is a peculiar burning odor in the room, like explosives. the kitchen fills with smoke and the hot, sweet, ashy smell of scorched cookies. The war has begun." is a powerful and evocative description by the novelist Alison Lurie. This quote is taken from her novel "The War Between the Tates," which was first published in 1974. The novel explores the lives of a group of academics and their families in the midst of social and political upheaval, and the quote captures a moment of domestic chaos that symbolizes the larger conflicts at play in the story.

The use of sensory imagery in the quote is particularly striking. Lurie's description of the burning odor in the room, reminiscent of explosives, immediately creates a sense of tension and danger. The kitchen filling with smoke and the smell of scorched cookies adds to the atmosphere of disarray and impending disaster. The juxtaposition of the "hot, sweet" and "ashy" smells further emphasizes the contrast between comfort and chaos, domesticity and conflict. Through these sensory details, Lurie effectively conveys the sudden and unexpected eruption of turmoil within the seemingly ordinary setting of a kitchen.

The line "The war has begun" encapsulates the significance of this moment within the larger narrative of the novel. While the immediate conflict may be the result of burnt cookies, the war being referenced is symbolic of the broader societal and interpersonal tensions that the characters are grappling with. Lurie uses this domestic incident to foreshadow and symbolize the escalating conflicts that will unfold throughout the story.

Alison Lurie was known for her keen observations of human behavior and her ability to blend social commentary with elements of satire and wit. "The War Between the Tates" is a prime example of Lurie's talent for dissecting the complexities of relationships, both personal and societal, against the backdrop of a changing world. The novel delves into themes of marriage, infidelity, academia, and the turbulence of the 1960s and 70s, offering a rich and multi-layered exploration of human experiences and emotions.

In conclusion, the quote by Alison Lurie captures a pivotal moment in her novel "The War Between the Tates," using vivid sensory imagery to convey the eruption of conflict within a domestic setting. The quote serves as a microcosm of the larger themes and tensions that drive the narrative of the novel, showcasing Lurie's skillful blend of social commentary, wit, and incisive observation of human behavior. Through her evocative prose, Lurie invites readers to contemplate the intricate ways in which personal and societal battles intertwine and shape the human experience.