One of the allusions used by Ayn Rand in the Anthem is
"Saint of the pyre." It is used with reference to those who had understood the concept
of a self identity and attempted to enlighten others by telling
them about it. This was a grave transgression and was always punished by the Councils
setting the offenders on fire in view of all.
There was no pain in their eyes and no knowledge
of the agony of their body. There was only joy in them, and pride, a pride holier than
it is fit for human pride to be...
What—even if we have to
burn for it like the Saint of the pyre—what is the Unspeakable
Word?
Another instance that I
find where a very important point has been made with an allusion is when Equality is
speaking with the Golden One about the importance of being able to differentiate oneself
from others and refers to Prometheus stealing fire from the Gods and giving it to
humans.
He
took the light of the gods and brought it to men, and he taught men to be gods. And he
suffered for his deed as all bearers of light must
suffer.
How this
taught men to be gods leaves no doubt about how powerful the
concept of an ego is, and how a self-identity gives people an immense power which is in
ways equivalent to that of the Gods.
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