Um, I would say they might be shocked because back then they didn't have anything like Rock Concerts and they didn't really like anything different, surprising, or weird. That's why when they could not understand why someone cooked different they thought it was witch craft and thought that person was a witch and burned them alive or hung them.
The answer to this is pathos
In this question, we do not know what point of the story you are referring to. Therefore, we cannot answer in detail. However, we can still look at the character of Reverend Hale and try to understand why he behaves in this way in the play.
Reverend Hale is a pastor who is brought to Salem in order to investigate the witchcraft that seems to be taking place. He is eager to help and excited about this calling, which is what keeps him from seeing the truth. Initially, Hale is too absorbed by his faith and his work to admit that he might be wrong. However, as the play progresses, Hale realizes his mistakes and attempts to change his actions. However, at this point, it is too late to go back, as the trials are no longer in his hands.
