Stan Smith Character Analysis in Kaffir Boy

Stan Smith is a white professional tennis player from America who befriends Mathabane at the SAB Open tournament. Although they are only together a few days, Stan and his wife, Marjory, instantly take a liking to Mathabane. Mathabane is struck by how such people, whom he’s just met, could already treat him like an equal. Stan funds Mathabane’s entrance into the Sugar Circuit tournaments and arranges a tennis scholarship for him in America.

Stan Smith Character Timeline in Kaffir Boy

The timeline below shows where the character Stan Smith appears in Kaffir Boy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Apartheid’s Structural Oppression Theme Icon

One afternoon, when Mathabane is feeling particularly listless, he watches Stan Smith and Bob Lutz—the best tennis doubles team in the world—practice together. Bob Lutz decides... (full context)

Suffering, Survival, and Trauma Theme Icon

Stan and his wife, Marjory, invite Mathabane to join them in the Players’ Lounge, and speak... (full context)

Tribal Identity vs. Modern Education Theme Icon

Mathabane feels “uplifted” after he parts with Stan and Marjory, and spends the next several days with them and their friends. When the... (full context)

News that Stan sponsored Mathabane’s entry into the Sugar Circuit infuriates many, including the black tennis leagues who... (full context)

...his only options are university and work, and he has yet to hear anything from Stan. (full context)

Mathabane hopes that Stan will write to him and call him to America so that he won’t need a... (full context)

...for letters of recommendation from Wilfred and Owen Williams and writes a letter to thank Stan. However, aside from his family, Mathabane keeps the news a secret, since the South African... (full context)

...and Wilfred. Owen Williams arranges to help him get his passport in time and notifies Stan that Mathabane is going to America. (full context)

...issue one for at least three months—too late for Mathabane to begin school on time. Stan suggests that they ask the American consulate in Pretoria for help, and once Mathabane explains... (full context)