Why is E correct? Why is C incorrect?

I think lines 47-53 can offer a good explanation for (E): "Perhaps what is needed is a historical perspective that seeks to include, as grand theories did not and could not, the particular and unrepeatable details of historical events. Rather than forcing these details into an inflexible progression, such a perspective might instead explain history by means of laws that constrain rather than necessitate." To me, it sounds as if the lines are talking about how these grand theories were being counterproductive to its notion of trying to explain a broad historical phenomena with just one explanation

Yes, @Julie-V, that's a good source of textual evidence for picking (E). As for (C), it has exactly the opposite problem: it's not really based anywhere in the text. Hope this helps, @Ryan-Mahabir. Let me know if you have further questions, or if you have a spot in the text that you think offers evidence for (C).