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.

Understanding Sentimental Comedy:
Sentimental comedy is an 18th-century theatrical genre that arose as a reaction against the bawdy and cynical tone of Restoration comedy. Instead of satirizing human vices, folly, or aristocratic manners, sentimental comedy seeks to appeal to the audience's virtues, empathy, and emotions.

Let's break down the defining characteristics of this genre to see why the correct option is accurate:
1. Focus on private life and virtue: Unlike classical comedies that mock moral failings, sentimental comedies present middle-class characters who possess innate goodness. The plays highlight domestic virtues, honor, and benevolence.
2. Distress over faults: The plot typically centers on good-natured characters experiencing undeserved hardships or moral dilemmas (distresses) rather than plotting mischievous schemes. The audience is meant to sympathize with their struggles and weep at their misfortunes, leading to a happy, virtuous resolution.
3. Moral instruction: The primary goal of these plays is to instruct the audience in morality rather than merely making them laugh.

Analyzing the incorrect options:
- "It is a dramatic composition which satirises the manners and affectations of a class." This describes a Comedy of Manners.
- "It is a dramatic composition that focuses on characters, each of them representing a type personality." This describes a Comedy of Humours.
- "It is a dramatic composition that depicts how seriously young people take love, and how foolishly it makes them behave." This describes aspects of typical romantic comedy or farce, rather than the moralistic and tearful nature of sentimental comedy.