In "Into the Wild," Chris McCandless's abandonment of his car symbolizes his rejection of the materialism and societal expectations that he believes constrain him. The car represents a conventional means of mobility and security, tied to the consumer lifestyle that Chris seeks to escape. By leaving it behind, he is also making a statement about his desire for freedom and self-reliance, choosing instead to rely on his own resourcefulness and the natural world.
Additionally, the act of abandoning the car marks a turning point in Chris’s journey, transitioning from a life defined by societal norms to one of adventure and introspection. It signifies a commitment to his ideals of living authentically and in harmony with nature, free from the distractions and burdens of modern society. This act foreshadows his ultimate quest for meaning and a deeper connection with the wilderness, underscoring the themes of exploration, solitude, and the search for identity that are central to his story.