Final answer:
Children in the referenced stories are afraid of haunted houses and supernatural occurrences due to ingrained local superstitions and legends that are upheld and propagated within their community.
Step-by-step explanation:
Superstitions have a powerful influence on people's perceptions, particularly in times and places where such beliefs are woven into the fabric of the community. In the references provided, we see how children and adults alike are affected by the fear of the supernatural. The mention of legendary treasures, ghosts, and apparitions highlights how local folklore can instill a pervasive sense of fear that haunts the residents of certain homes or areas. This fear often leads to behaviors such as children playing together in protected spaces or looking out for assailants, and widespread tales that swell into the community consciousness. Furthermore, the fear of the supernatural can be so strong that it influences changes in regular patterns, such as road alterations to avoid haunted locations.
In another example, the skepticism of John, who laughs at the superstitions his wife fears, illustrates the tension that can exist within individuals when faced with tales of haunted houses and the unknown. These stories have the power to conjure an atmosphere of dread and foreboding, impacting the lives of those who dwell within or near these storied homes.