How did sentimental comedy differ from earlier romantic comedy?

Sentimental comedy, which emerged in the 18th century, differed significantly from earlier romantic and Restoration comedies in its primary purpose, tone, and moral approach.

While traditional comedy aimed to provoke laughter by exposing the follies and vices of humankind, sentimental comedy sought to produce tears rather than laughter. Its goal was to arouse "a pleasure too exquisite for laughter" by focusing on the trials and tribulations of middle-class protagonists.12

Key differences include:

• Moral Intent: Sentimental comedy was driven by a didactic purpose to "recommend Virtue and discountenance Vice," whereas earlier comedy often focused on painting the vices and follies of society for the purpose of correction through ridicule.2
• Characterization: Characters in sentimental comedies were typically inherently good, and even their faults were meant to be applauded for the "goodness of their hearts." In contrast, earlier comedies often featured characters whose follies were targets for satire.12
• Tone and Subject: Sentimental comedy treated the affairs of private life with a new, profound seriousness, granting ordinary characters a dignity previously reserved for the nobility in tragedy. Earlier romantic comedies often relied on wit, farcical intrigue, or festive environments to explore human nature.23