Hale is surprised that Elizabeth does not believe in what?

The correct response highlights Hale's astonishment that Elizabeth Proctor does not believe in the idea of killing Ann Putnam's babies, reflecting the pervasive themes of superstition and personal motivations in the play. Hale, being a man of science and reason, struggles to comprehend how someone could believe that such actions could be justified or that witchcraft could manifest in such malicious ways. Elizabeth's skepticism about this specific act emphasizes her grounded nature and her awareness of the underlying personal vendettas driving the trial's hysteria.

In the larger context of the play, Elizabeth's disbelief serves to contrast with the fervor of the community's belief in witchcraft and the accusations being thrown around. It also highlights the moral ambiguity and tragedies wrought by the witch trials, where personal grievances are disguised as supernatural phenomena. This dynamic underlines the complexity of characters in "The Crucible," particularly as they navigate truth and deception amidst the chaos of the witch trials.