To Don Asterio Alarcón, Clocksmith of Valparaíso
The poem is a tribute to the clockmaker Don Asterio Alarcón, who lived in Valparaíso, Chile. It describes his daily routine, highlighting his dedication and precision in repairing clocks. The poem also touches on the themes of time, mortality, and the passing of generations. Through the character of the clockmaker, it explores the human relationship with time and the inevitability of death.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1952 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism · 519 words
First lines
Smell of a crazy seaport,
Valparaíso has, smell of shade, of stars, a suspicion of the moon and the tails of fish.
What this Textopian page supports
To Don Asterio Alarcón, Clocksmith of Valparaíso is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1952 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Pablo Neruda
- Date: 1952 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Character Study, Historical Fiction
- Length: 519 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for To Don Asterio Alarcón, Clocksmith of Valparaíso by Pablo Neruda
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic style, utilizing vivid imagery and metaphor to convey emotions and themes.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of time, existence, and the human condition through the character of Don Asterio.
- Magical Realism — The blending of the ordinary with the extraordinary, particularly in the portrayal of the clocksmith and his relationship with time, aligns with this genre.
- Character Study — The focus on Don Asterio's life and his role as a clocksmith provides an in-depth exploration of a singular character.
Tags
Poetry · Latin American Literature · Chilean Poetry · Tribute · Clockmaking · Valparaíso · Urban Landscape · Industrialization · Mechanization · Time · Memory · Nostalgia
More by Pablo Neruda
- Body of a Woman (1959)
- The Light Wraps You (1954)
- Ah Vastness of Pines (1975)
- The Morning Is Full (1954)
- So That You Will Hear Me (1976)
- I Remember You As You Were (1952)
- Leaning Into The Afternoons Leaning into the afternoons I cast my sad nets towards your oceanic eyes (1954)
- White Bee (1974)
- All works by Pablo Neruda