There are several examples of symbolism in the book Milkweed. First, the title itself is a symbol. Milkweed was the only thing growing in the ghetto that was green. There was so much death and despair in the ghetto, but somehow the milkweed plant seemed to still thrive. Also, during the Holocaust, the whole world was a dark place, with so much war, destruction, death and pain. The milkweed plant symbolizes hope and freedom. Like the world, the milkweed plant fluff of seeds lies inside, just like hope was inside the many Holocaust survivors. So, the milkweed plant can be seen in the story as a symbol of life and of hope.
Another example of symbolism in the book is the yellow stone necklace that Uri gives to Meishia. Uri gives him this