Focus The writing is clearly focused around a creative and insightful central thesis/message. The writer lays out clear reasons/points that contribute to the overall central thesis/message. Everything in the writing contributes to the development of the message. Development There is a variety of support (anecdotes, quotes, description, examples, etc.). The support is vivid, concrete, and connects clearly to the message. The piece raises well-thought out questions, or pursues a line of reasoning in an unexpected or unusual direction. The language and examples are clear and interesting. There are connections to other texts or examples that make the writer’s argument more vivid and clear. Organization The introduction and conclusion creatively tie the message together. Each paragraph is focused and effectively developed around an individual point. The overall paragraph organization is effective and creative. Transitions are effective and establish complex relationships between points. Mechanics The sentences are complex and effective, and the word choice is sophisticated. The writer uses sentence structure and word choice in creative ways to establish tone and meaning. There may be one or two very minor errors, but no patterns of error. All words and ideas from sources external to the writer are accurately documented via standard academic documentation guidelines (i.e., MLA or APA. The Trickster modern and ancient mythical rule breakers Characteristics of a trickster A character that can be in any form (human, creature, God, demi-God) Possesses extreme intellect or secret knowledge. Less about using that knowledge to advance their agenda and more focused on causing distress, agitation or defying the social order. Also pull pranks and practical jokes at the expense of others. Attributes: Bragging, cunning, mocking, foolish, gender or shapeshifter (to hide or impersonate). Uses wit and cleverness (occasionally, but not often) to defeat or evade foes. Video example – Bugs Bunny: The Barber or Seville The Joker Created in 1940 by Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, Bob Kane as an antithesis (opposite) to Batman. Various depictions and iterations in comics, T.V, animation and film have depicted The Joker always as a social order bending master criminal that has streaks of violence and anger in-between bouts of conniving and mocking/laughing at the absurdity of social norms. Disputed origin story, depending on the version and format. Comedic trickster Often used as a rebellious check on authoritarian power. Comes from a point of privilege, sometimes wealth, allowing them to get away with what others would be punished for. Clever, several steps ahead, a risk taker. Can be forceful, occasionally cruel. Desire amusement in a world they find boring or mundane. .

1. Focus
The writing is clearly focused around a creative and insightful
central thesis/message. The writer lays out clear reasons/points
that contribute to the overall central thesis/message. Everything
in the writing contributes to the development of the message.
Development
There is a variety of support (anecdotes, quotes, description,
examples, etc.). The support is vivid, concrete, and connects
clearly to the message. The piece raises well-thought out
questions, or pursues a line of reasoning in an unexpected or
unusual direction. The language and examples are clear and
interesting. There are connections to other texts or examples
that make the writer’s argument more vivid and clear.
Organization
The introduction and conclusion creatively tie the message
together. Each paragraph is focused and effectively developed
around an individual point. The overall paragraph organization
is effective and creative. Transitions are effective and establish
complex relationships between points.
Mechanics
The sentences are complex and effective, and the word choice is
sophisticated. The writer uses sentence structure and word
choice in creative ways to establish tone and meaning. There
may be one or two very minor errors, but no patterns of error.
All words and ideas from sources external to the writer are
accurately documented via standard academic documentation
guidelines (i.e., MLA or APA.
The Trickster
modern and ancient mythical rule breakers

2. Characteristics of a trickster
A character that can be in any form (human, creature, God,
demi-God)
Possesses extreme intellect or secret knowledge. Less about
using that knowledge to advance their agenda and more focused
on causing distress, agitation or defying the social order. Also
pull pranks and practical jokes at the expense of others.
Attributes: Bragging, cunning, mocking, foolish, gender or
shapeshifter (to hide or impersonate).
Uses wit and cleverness (occasionally, but not often) to defeat
or evade foes.
Video example – Bugs Bunny: The Barber or Seville
The Joker
Created in 1940 by Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, Bob Kane as an
antithesis (opposite) to Batman.
Various depictions and iterations in comics, T.V, animation and
film have depicted The Joker always as a social order bending
master criminal that has streaks of violence and anger in-
between bouts of conniving and mocking/laughing at the
absurdity of social norms.
Disputed origin story, depending on the version and format.
Comedic trickster
Often used as a rebellious check on authoritarian power.
Comes from a point of privilege, sometimes wealth, allowing
them to get away with what others would be punished for.
Clever, several steps ahead, a risk taker. Can be forceful,
occasionally cruel. Desire amusement in a world they find

3. boring or mundane.