The Tempest: Calibans Instincts A series of pamphlets detailing the expeditions of Sir Thomas Gates and and Sir George Summers is believed to be one of the only outside sources that influenced William Shakespearesą writing of The Tempest. The pamphlets told of Gates and Summers miraculous survival after their ship became wedged between two rocks. The pamphlets, titled The Bermuda Pamphlets, were released in 1610 just before the opening of The Tempest, Shakespearesą final complete play, in 1611. Another inspiration for Shakespearesą Tempest were the works of the French philosopher Montaigne. One particular essay of Montaignesą which influenced The Tempest more than any other wor