Which of the following statements holds true in regard to “Sentimental Comedy”?

The correct option is:
It is a species of dramatic composition in which the virtues of private life are exhibited, rather than the vices exposed; and the distresses rather than the faults of mankind make our interest in the piece.

Explanation:
Sentimental comedy is an 18th-century dramatic genre that arose as a reaction against the perceived immorality and cynicism of Restoration comedy. Oliver Goldsmith, a prominent writer of the era, famously defined sentimental comedy in his essay An Essay on the Theatre; or, a Comparison between Laughing and Sentimental Comedy (1773) using these exact terms. In this genre, the playwright focuses on the inherent goodness of human nature. Instead of exposing and mocking human vices or follies (which is the traditional role of satire and laughing comedy), sentimental comedy highlights the domestic virtues of private, middle-class life. The audience's engagement and emotional connection with the characters are driven by their distresses and misfortunes, evoking pathos and tears rather than laughter.

Let us break down why the other options are incorrect in this context:
1. "It is a dramatic composition which satirises the manners and affectations of a class." — This defines a Comedy of Manners (Restoration Comedy), which relies on wit and satire to critique social behavior.
2. "It is a dramatic composition that focuses on characters, each of them representing a type personality." — This refers to a Comedy of Humours, popularized by Ben Jonson, where characters are dominated by a specific temperament or "humour."
3. "It is a dramatic composition that depicts how seriously young people take love, and how foolishly it makes them behave." — This describes a Romantic Comedy, which focuses on the follies, trials, and triumphs of young lovers.