“Notting Hill Daphne” by Maeve Binchy is a novel that explores the intersection of social classes through the stories of a group of employees who work in the same office. Rita is one of the main characters and her behavior is different from that of her colleagues in a number of ways. Firstly, Rita has a unique sense of style that is not conformist to the conservative dress code of the office. She wears colorful, flamboyant clothes and accessories, which sets her apart from her colleagues who dress in simple, formal suits and skirts. Secondly, Rita is more open about her personal life and doesn't shy away from talking about her struggles with poverty and her humble beginnings. This openness is in stark contrast to the closed-off attitudes of the other employees who are more concerned with maintaining a professional facade. The story-teller tries to conceal the fact that she is prying into Rita's life because she fears that Rita may feel uncomfortable or offended. However, Rita sees through the story-teller's attempts to hide her curiosity, and addresses the situation directly. The dress code plays an important role in the communicative episode because it highlights the difference in social status between the employees. The conservative dress code is a subtle indicator of the company's expectations and values, which are geared towards conformism and traditionalism. Rita's colorful clothes, in contrast, show her independent spirit and willingness to stand out from the crowd. Rita is sure that the story-teller doesn't understand her life story because the story-teller cannot relate to Rita's experiences. The story-teller comes from a privileged background and her exposure to poverty and hardship is limited. This lack of common ground makes it difficult for the story-teller to understand Rita's perspective, despite her attempts to empathize. The failure of communication is not solely the responsibility of either party. The story-teller's inability to understand Rita's experiences is a reflection of the inherent differences in their backgrounds, while Rita's unconventional behavior and outspokenness may also have contributed to the misunderstandings between them. In conclusion, “Notting Hill Daphne” portrays the complexities of communication across social classes. Rita's behavior differs from that of her colleagues in the office, and this leads to tensions and misunderstandings. The dress code is an important symbol of the differences between the employees, and the story-teller's attempt to conceal her curiosity highlights the difficulties of bridging the gap between social classes. Ultimately, the failure of communication is a shared responsibility, and it underscores the challenges of achieving empathy and understanding across social divides.