Cheating is a significant theme in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," and it takes many forms. On a surface level, there is the cheating that goes on between characters in their romantic relationships. However, there is also a deeper level of cheating, where characters deceive others and themselves in order to get what they want.
One example of cheating in relationships is the affair that Tom Buchanan has with Myrtle Wilson. Tom is married to Daisy Buchanan, but he carries on a secret affair with Myrtle, who is married to George Wilson. Tom's infidelity not only causes pain and suffering for Myrtle and George, but it also undermines the trust and commitment in his marriage to Daisy.
Another example of cheating in relationships is the way that Jay Gatsby, the novel's titular character, pursues Daisy. Gatsby and Daisy were once in love, but Daisy married Tom while Gatsby was away fighting in World War I. When Gatsby returns, he becomes fixated on winning Daisy back, and he will stop at nothing to do so. This includes lying about his wealth and background, and even killing someone in order to protect his reputation. Gatsby's desire to have Daisy leads him to cheat and deceive others, including himself, in order to get what he wants.
In addition to cheating in relationships, there is also a sense of moral decay and corruption present in the novel. The characters of "The Great Gatsby" are caught up in a world of excess and extravagance, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their lavish lifestyles. This includes cheating, lying, and manipulating others in order to get ahead.
For example, the character of Jordan Baker is a professional golfer who is known to cheat in order to win. Similarly, the character of Meyer Wolfsheim is a corrupt businessman who engages in illegal activities in order to make money. These characters demonstrate a lack of integrity and a willingness to cheat in order to get what they want, and their actions contribute to the overall sense of moral decay in the novel.
In conclusion, cheating is a significant theme in "The Great Gatsby," and it takes many forms. It can be seen in the infidelity of Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, as well as the moral decay and corruption present in the characters of Jordan Baker and Meyer Wolfsheim. Through these examples, Fitzgerald suggests that the pursuit of wealth and success can lead people to cheat and deceive others, and that such behavior ultimately leads to destruction and tragedy.