Being an old maid is like death by drowning, a really delightful sensation after you cease to struggle.

In this quote, Edna Ferber uses a vivid and somewhat dark analogy to describe the experience of being an old maid, a term often used in the past to refer to an unmarried woman, particularly one who is perceived to be past the typical age for marriage. Ferber compares it to death by drowning, a metaphor that might initially sound grim, but the twist lies in her suggestion that the sensation becomes "delightful" after one stops struggling. The idea here is that societal pressures to marry and fulfill traditional roles may cause internal struggle and frustration, but once a person comes to terms with their situation, there is a sense of acceptance and peace.

Ferber's use of the drowning metaphor suggests the suffocating nature of societal expectations regarding marriage and the roles women are often expected to play. In earlier decades, there was a strong cultural emphasis on women marrying and starting families, and the label of "old maid" was often associated with societal judgment. By comparing this to drowning, she reflects the oppressive pressure felt by women who did not conform to this ideal.

However, Ferber’s line takes an unexpected turn by claiming that, after ceasing to struggle, the sensation becomes "really delightful." This implies that, once a woman stops resisting or feeling the need to conform to societal expectations, there can be a sense of freedom and relief in embracing her own life, independent of others' judgments. The delightful sensation is a form of liberation from the struggle for validation through marriage.

Ultimately, Edna Ferber's quote plays with the idea of societal expectations versus personal freedom, humorously pointing out how women, in particular, can find peace and contentment once they stop fighting against the pressures placed upon them. It encourages a sense of empowerment, suggesting that it’s possible to find joy and fulfillment in independence, even if society doesn't always approve of one's choices.