This little scene where he burns his father body, it wasn't originally in the script. But I decided it gave more closure in terms of Luke's relationship to his father and letting go of his father. Even though later on as we get to the end of the movie, as he joins the Force, he is able to retain his original identity. It's because of Obi-Wan and Yoda who learn how to do that, how to join the Force at will and then retain your identity. But it was his identity as he was when he died, as Anakin Skywalker.
- Lucas on the Return of the Jedi audio commentary, Chapter 48: Funeral Pyre.