Asterix and Caesar's Gift - Commentary

Commentary

• The granting of land to Roman soldiers after their long years of service is historically true.

• Tremensdelirious was named after his most notable characteristic, being a drunkard. However, in the original French language his name is given as Roméomontaigus. He was named after Romeo Montague, one of two title characters in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. The connection between the two characters is not particularly evident.

• Orthapedix is drawn as a caricature of André Alerme (September 9, 1877 - February 2, 1960), an actor

• Influenza is called Zaza for short (a possible reference to Zsa Zsa Gabor). She interprets Asterix signing with a Z as dedicating his victory to her and he does not protest. The Z is a reference to Zorro; the TV series was often shown on TV in continental Europe. Asterix's dialogue during the swordfight is a reference to Cyrano de Bergerac. (In the English translation it is peppered with references to the climactic swordfight in Hamlet.)

• Vitalstatistix and his brother-in-law Homeopathix confronted each other in person at the beginning and the finale of Asterix and the Laurel Wreath. Impedimenta entertains hopes of the two entering a partnership in Asterix and the Soothsayer.

• This is the second time Vitalstatistix is challenged by a contender to the leadership of the village. The previous time was by Cassius Ceramix of Linoleum in Asterix and the Big Fight. However the previous event was an attempt by another village to annex them. This is the first time his leadership is challenged by the population of the village. He will not be challenged again until Asterix and the Secret Weapon.

• This is the first time the Gauls of the village are revealed to have a method of electing leaders resembling a democracy. However, it seems that the leader has no fixed period of term and retains leadership until challenged. This leaves the possibility of the leader holding his position for life.

• This story has one of only a few scenes where Asterix uses his sword. Asterix always has it with him, but usually fights with his wits or his magic potion-augmented fists. This story shows that although Asterix rarely uses his weapon, he is a skilled swordsman.

• This is another rare instance where Cacofonix is not bound and gagged at the end of the story.

• The story parodies political campaigns in general, election campaigns in particular, and perhaps especially the French presidential election which took place in 1974, date of publication of the album. However, no election is actually held in it. Election day is mentioned as set for the celebration day of Lugh but the election is cancelled after the withdrawal of Orthapedix.

• In some of the scenes (after Vitalstatistix falls of his shield), there is a chicken who falls in love with Vitalstatistix's helmet.