Symbols and motifs

Symbols

Fern’s van

One of the most important symbols in the movie Nomadland directed by Chloé Zhao is Fern’s van. The van is important to Fern as she not only uses it to drive herself from one place to another, she actually lives there. When the van breaks down, and the repairman suggests that Fern should buy another one, Fern refuses, admitting that it is her home (00:10:58). The van, therefore, symbolizes Fern’s idea of a home.

Fern names the van, which is a tradition of those living a nomadic lifestyle. Fern calls the van Vanguard. The name can be considered to be a play on words. Apart from its original meaning of the part of an army that is the first to attack, the name can also be considered as a compound of two words, “van” and “guard”. This shows that the van is a safe place for Fern. She feels guarded and protected there.

It is clear that Fern is attached to Vanguard and sees it as part of herself. Despite the discomforts she sometimes experiences, she seems to be more uncomfortable in a house, which she admits to Dolly: “I can’t live in this room. I can’t sleep in this bed.” (00:14:58-00:15:00). It is not surprising, therefore, that when Dave invites her to stay with him, Fern chooses instead to dri...