You know that scene (here’s a link) where little Gaara and Yashamaru are having dinner together and Gaara asks “Why do we get hungry?” and Yashamaru answers “In order for us to eat good food”
Like... that whole scene is symbolizing the theme that there will be times when we must feel pain in order to feel and appreciate love, like taking in the bad in turn for the good in life. Rather than talking about food, Gaara is asking, in the deeper sense, why do people hurt? Why do people feel pain? And Yashamaru’s response tells him that the reason is because then we will be able to accept love fully.
And then Gaara responds “You’re right! The meals you make taste good, Yashamaru!” and I think little Gaara is actually saying, in the deeper sense, that the love he receives from Yashamaru makes going through the pain he feels easier to bear and accept.
And then he has that love betrayed through the assassination, and Gaara goes on living the exact opposite way, rejecting to feel anything but hatred, because he does not believe love is a possibility anymore.
... I need to go lay down... forever :)
