What are some of the facts presented at the opening of the story and why are they important?

The exposition of the story gives us the people, conflict, and context involved with the story. The Gradwitz and Znaeym families are long-time enemies. Many years ago the families battled in the courthouse over rights to a strip of land. The Gradwitzes ultimately prevailed though the Znaeyms refused to recognize the court order. Consequently, generations of Znaeyms continued to trespass onto Gradwitz land, claiming they’ve been unjustly dispossessed.