Qn - 859 was vs were vs has been vs have been

[GG04]

Thomas Eakins’ powerful style and his choices of subject—the advances in modern surgery, the discipline of sport, the strains of individuals in tension with society or even with themselves-was as disturbing to his own time as it is compelling for ours.

(A) was as disturbing to his own time as it is
(B) were as disturbing to his own time as they are
(C) has been as disturbing in his own time as they are
(D) had been as disturbing in his own time as it was
(E) have been as disturbing in his own time as

Please explain.

IMO: B

[schumi_gmat]

A, C, D is out as the verb should be plural which will qualify plural subject.

In E, the comapraison is no correct. You are comparing his distrubing styles and choices with compelling.

Hence B

[vivek.kapoor83]

IMO B.SV Agreement. ACD ..Out
In E...have been disturbing in his own time..means they still disturb him...so not correct ...akward construction