To what extent was the sentimental comedy a reaction to the critical temper of the 18th century?Illustrate with examples.

The 18th century witnessed the beginnings of the
sentimental comedy. This theatrical genre is the predecessor of the comedy of manners
genre. In this latter, the main characters are usually typical middle class men and
women going through a genuine situation (often, a romance). This romance is treated with
the casual naturalist approach of realism, without the use of exaggerated vocabulary,
and with a realistic ending.

This could be considered a
reaction to the critical temper of the 18th century in that it does not treat the topics
of Restoration theater. Restoration (1660-1710)theater opened in England after
Crowmell's Puritain government, as the monarchy was seated in the throne again. However,
the Restoration brought with it the expected hedonism of the aristocrats, who portrayed
their lives or the lives of other aristocrats in situations that merited the use of
scandalous language and sexually-charged themes. In a huge contrast, sentimental
comedies dealt with real human emotion amongst the regular kinfolk of the land: It was
art that was not overdressed, over-ranked, nor
overdone.

Therefore, it is safe to conclude that
Sentimental Comedy broke with the parameters of restoration theater , creating its very
own and unique style that featured people, and situations, as they really
are.