The author masterfully exposes human pretensions and hypochondria through the three main characters' constant misadventures and self-diagnosed illnesses, showcasing how people often overcomplicate simple situations and make mountains out of molehills.

The relationship between the three men demonstrates the enduring nature of male friendship, complete with its bickering, shared experiences, and ultimate loyalty, all while highlighting the peculiarities of upper-middle-class Victorian leisure culture.

The journey along the Thames represents a temporary escape from the pressures of urban Victorian life, though ironically, the characters bring their city mindsets with them, creating humor through their inability to truly embrace the simplicity of river life.