what do you take this to mean for your life ?

Some ideas you might consider are:

Social /Racial Inequality- The social and ethnic inequality in Maycomb is obvious. The blacks are segregated as are, though less obvious, poor whites. The Ewells seem a separate class all together. We still have socio- economic and racial stratification in our own communities.

Mockingbird- People who are pure of soul that are sacrificed in society because they lack the means and sophistication to deffend themselves.

Values and Moral Education- Atticus is a role model for the ages. He humbly stands up for what is right in the face of adversity. He teaches his kids by example. I frequently ask myself what Atticus might do in a given situation in my life!