In Jonathan Shaw's "Narcisa: Our Lady of Ashes," he reflects on the institution of education through John Updike's quote. This statement critiques the school system, likening it to a prison where students endure hardships disguised as learning. By using the term "tortures," Updike highlights the often punitive nature of educational practices that can stifle creativity and individual expression.

Shaw's narrative resonates with this viewpoint, suggesting that the conventional educational framework may fail to nurture genuine intellectual curiosity. Instead, it imposes strict structures that can be harmful, making the environment feel more like confinement than a space for growth and exploration.