She probably didn't either and that's why she failed. Boredom!
It would help to have actually read the entire article. Ms. L failed miserably because she did not have the core skills to succeed in the class. She had no idea how to do research. She could not follow simple, explicit instructions. Her paper lacked the key elements required to pass: a clear thesis statement and well-written paragraphs that supported it.
Professor X had apparently struggled with the futility of the situation and attempted to treat her with all the dignity possible. The big joke in "Ph.D. Comics" is that one should staple employment applications for Taco Bell to such papers. I doubt Professor X did did anything snide like this.
I did read that. That’s what bored people do - fail.
Indeed. Most likely she was never challenged academically in her formative years. In early middle age, college level work is, for now at least, beyond her. But I would never give up hope on anyone who wants to succeed - our educational system is so thin in this country that few students ever reach their genetic potential. She needs to start at a more remedial level.