Final answer:
The word that describes 'treacherous; dishonest; violating good faith' is 'perfidious', meaning deceitful and untrustworthy. This perfectly captures the essence of betrayal and dishonesty mentioned in the question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word that best describes 'treacherous; dishonest; violating good faith' out of the options given is perfidious. This adjective means deceitful and untrustworthy, often implying betrayal. The other options provided do not align with the meaning of treachery and dishonesty. Perceptible means able to be seen or noticed, pastoral relates to country life or the pastoral care provided by the church, and pensive means engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought.
The literary excerpts provided all touch on themes of deceit, betrayal, and internal struggles with evil or vice, helping illustrate the concept of perfidious behavior in various contexts. Whether it is a betrayal in relationships, heritage of vice, or social duplicity, the essence of perfidious actions is captured by these narratives.