In P.G. Wodehouse's "Right Ho, Jeeves," the character Gussie Fink-Nottle is portrayed in a rather humorous light, especially with his choice of attire. His sea boots are emblematic of his eccentricity and contribute to the overall theme of the book, which explores the absurdities of social expectations and the comedic situations arising from them. The humor lies in the contrast between his awkwardness and the more refined characters around him.
The quote suggests that life is already filled with melancholy, and Gussie's peculiarities only add to it. By wearing sea boots, he disrupts the social order, highlighting the discomfort of those around him. This reflects Wodehouse's style of using comedy to critique societal norms, while also evoking sympathy for characters like Gussie, who navigate their own insecurities in a world full of pretensions.