To Kill a Mockingbird

How does this quote symbolize the tension between Atticus and his children? What do you think?

"'So that's what you were doing, wasn't it?'

'Makin' fun of him?'

'No," said Atticus, "Putting his life's history on display for the edification of the neighborhood.'

Jem seemed to swell a little. 'I didn't say we were doin' that, I didn't say it!'

Atticus grinned dryly. 'You just told me,' he said. 'You stop this nonsense right now, every one of you.'" Page 49

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The children cannot fool Atticus, especially when they are in his line of "prosecution". Atticus catches his kids, and Dill, violating Boo's natural right for privacy. Atticus is a little frustrated that his kids are not respecting another human being. Rather than just admonish them, Atticus uses this moment to teach his children that others, no matter how different than themselves, deserve respect and privacy.

They cant fool him. Even though the children think they can, Atticus is much too smart to be outrunned by his children.