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Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

The storage unit 

Bookending the film, Fern’s storage unit plays a significant role in her character’s development, serving as a physical representation of the way in which she holds onto her past life in Empire. She has a deep emotional connection to the unit and its belongings, pulling a few choice items out to bring with her on her journey yet still continuing to pay to maintain the unit through most of the film. Ultimately, she breaks this final tie to Empire when she decides to get rid of the remainder of the items in storage and forfeit the unit. This act marks a tangible departure from her past and the ways in which it has held her captive. 

Rocks 

Rocks become a symbol for Swankie, which is first established when Swankie proudly shows off her rock collection to Fern. Swankie expresses her desire for people to toss a rock into the fire in her memory after she dies, and this is exactly what happens later in the story. During this solemn ceremony, one unnamed character remarks “She loved rocks,” before tossing one into the fire. Rocks mirror Swankie’s resolve to persevere and make the most of her life as she faces a grim diagnosis. Like her rock collection, Swankie possesses a tender beauty in her outlook on life that is initially overshadowed by her rugged demeanor. 

The road 

Practically its own character in Nomadland, the road symbolizes the fluidity of life, both as a nomad and more broadly as a human. As with the nature of a road, the nomadic life is ever-changing, connecting new people, places, and experiences while time marches forward. In fact, it’s the scenes set on the road that highlight the greatest diversity of setting in the film as the road takes Fern from snowy Nevada to the Arizona desert, the Badlands, and eventually the Pacific Coast Highway. The road serves as a connector both of scene and place as Fern goes on her journey to make peace with her past.  

Additionally, Bob uses the phrase, “See you down the road,” to emphasize life’s impermanence. For Bob, no one is truly gone from one’s life forever, and he shares this worldview to comfort a grieving Fern. 

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