What was the fate of Mercy Brown, who was considered a vampire?

Mercy Brown's story is a significant example of the vampiric folklore that emerged during the 19th century in New England, particularly during a time when tuberculosis epidemics were rampant. When Mercy died in 1892, her family believed she was responsible for the deaths of other family members, whom they thought had been "sucked dry" by her vampiric spirit.

The correct fate of Mercy Brown involved her heart being removed and burned as part of a ritual aimed at stopping the supposed vampiric influence she exerted over her relatives. This act was believed to release her spirit and protect the living from further harm. The practice of exhuming suspected vampires and performing such rituals reflects the deep-seated fears and superstitions surrounding death and disease in that era, especially in relation to tuberculosis, which was poorly understood at the time.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the actions taken regarding Mercy Brown's remains. She was not left undisturbed in her grave or merely marked with a tombstone, as this does not reflect the community's fears. Additionally, the idea of her being reburied with honors contradicts the nature of the actions taken by her community, which were driven by the desperation to address