An Analysis of Stigma in the Novel “Chicago” of Alaa Al Aswany Based on the Theory of Erving Goffman

The stigma as one of the most important concepts of Erving Goffman in dramatic sociology that investigates the identity that arises with the creation of a gap between social identity (that arises in the interaction with other people) and the potential identity (with which individuals define themselves). Such people are not able to follow the common norms of society and as a result they are not accepted by others and a "stigma" is put on their forehead. In the novel Chicago by Alaa Al  Aswany, we are witnessed to the stigma attached to two main female characters, Shayma (Egyptian) and Carol (American). These two Eastern and Western women who are dealing with the stigma. With a descriptive-analytical method, this study tries to investigate the "Stigma" theory of Goffman and to analyze the action of each of the female protagonists against the stigma and find solutions for it. The results indicate that Shayma is facing the stigma of having an illicit relationship with her classmate and getting pregnant by him, and to get rid of it, she has an abortion. But Carol suffers from ethnic-racial stigma that has faced her with social rejection, she succumbs to other stigmas in order to get rid of it and achieve a desirable social status.