Meaning: The quote "Being an old maid is like death by drowning, a really delightful sensation after you cease to struggle" by Edna Ferber, a well-known novelist, reflects the societal attitudes towards unmarried women, particularly in the early 20th century when the quote was likely made. This quote carries a powerful and poignant message about the societal pressures and stigmatization faced by unmarried women, often referred to as "old maids." Edna Ferber, known for her strong female characters and social commentary in her novels, likely made this statement to highlight the oppressive nature of the expectations placed on women to marry and conform to traditional gender roles.

The use of the metaphor "death by drowning" in the quote conveys a sense of suffocation and desperation that unmarried women may have felt in a society that placed so much emphasis on marriage and motherhood as the ultimate goals for women. The comparison to "a really delightful sensation after you cease to struggle" suggests that there may be a sense of relief or freedom in accepting one's unmarried status, despite the initial struggle against societal expectations.

During Edna Ferber's time, the term "old maid" was commonly used to describe unmarried women, often carrying negative connotations of spinsterhood and loneliness. This quote challenges the traditional view of unmarried women as pitiable figures and instead suggests that there can be a sense of liberation in embracing one's single status. It also speaks to the idea that societal expectations and pressures can feel like a burden, and finding peace in defying those expectations can be a form of liberation.

In the context of the early 20th century, when Edna Ferber was writing, marriage was often seen as a woman's primary goal, and unmarried women were often viewed with pity or disdain. The quote may have been a way for Ferber to push back against these societal norms and offer an alternative perspective on the experience of being an unmarried woman.

It's important to note that the quote reflects the attitudes of a specific time and may not fully align with contemporary views on marriage and singlehood. In modern society, the idea of being an "old maid" is often seen as outdated and pejorative, and there is a greater acceptance of diverse paths to fulfillment for women.

In conclusion, Edna Ferber's quote "Being an old maid is like death by drowning, a really delightful sensation after you cease to struggle" serves as a powerful commentary on the societal pressures faced by unmarried women and the potential liberation in defying traditional expectations. It challenges the notion that marriage is the only path to happiness and fulfillment for women, and encourages a reexamination of the societal attitudes towards singlehood. While the quote may reflect a specific historical context, its message about autonomy and self-acceptance remains relevant in discussions about gender roles and societal expectations.