Lotf

Lotf is an abbreviation commonly used to refer to William Golding's 1954 novel Lord of the Flies. The novel follows a group of English schoolboys who become stranded on a deserted island and attempt to govern themselves, only to see their social order unravel as fear, power struggles, and savagery emerge.

Written by Golding, the work is widely discussed for its exploration of civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, and the fragility of political authority. The central characters include Ralph, Jack, and Piggy, whose differing approaches to leadership and group cohesion illustrate competing impulses toward organization and domination. The title alludes to Beelzebub, or "lord of the flies," a symbolic reference to inherent evil and the boys’ primal instincts, reinforced by the recurring imagery of the decaying pig’s head on a stick.

LotF is a staple in literary education and has generated extensive critical analysis, along with several screen and stage adaptations. Notable film versions include a 1963 adaptation directed by Peter Brook and a 1990 adaptation directed by Harry Hook, both of which retain the novel’s core concerns about power, fear, and human nature.

The abbreviation Lotf appears primarily in informal discussions, notes, and online references, and capitalization or spacing varies by publisher or citation style. See also Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies (the novel), and discussions of its symbolism and adaptation history.