37 pages • 1 hour read
Henry Cloud, John TownsendBoundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1992A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Throughout the book, Cloud and Townsend anchor their reasoning in biblical references. With this in mind, how would someone coming from a non-religious background benefit from the principles addressed in this book? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
In what ways does one’s parents (or family as a whole) and their parents play a role in developing healthy boundaries?
Explain the differences between compliants, controllers, and nonresponsives. Which of these groups seems the most challenging to deal with when establishing boundaries?
Discuss how Cloud and Townsend address the complexities of human relationships (via discussion of one’s upbringing, personality, etc.) and how relationships justify the need to establish boundaries.
How is responsibility defined in the book? Do you agree with this definition? Support your answer with quotes from the text.
Cloud and Townsend often highlight the power of saying “no” when establishing healthy boundaries. Using examples from the text, discuss how saying “no” can be a tool for empowerment.
In Chapter 5, the authors outline Ten Laws of Boundaries. Which law seems the most important? Which seems the least important? Consider the rest of the book in your response and how the authors prioritize and repeat certain ideas and themes.
How do Cloud and Townsend distinguish between family and friendships? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
The authors use Sherrie’s life with and without boundaries as bookends. Discuss the effectiveness of this illustration, using quotes from the text to support your response.
Without being explicitly taught the concept of boundaries, is it possible to acquire this life skill? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
