What is the 'kiss of Judas' often referred to in literature?

The 'kiss of Judas' is a powerful symbol of betrayal rooted in a prominent biblical story. In the New Testament, Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus Christ by identifying him to the authorities with a kiss, an act that leads to Jesus's arrest. This kiss, intended as an expression of intimacy or affection, becomes chillingly ironic, as it signifies the ultimate act of treachery.

This connection makes 'the kiss of Judas' a prevalent literary allusion representing deceit, betrayal, and the dark side of personal relationships, thus reinforcing why it is accurately described as a symbol of betrayal in various contexts within literature. The other options do not align with this context, as they imply positive or neutral sentiments that contradict the inherent meaning of the act itself.