In "The Gate of Angels," Penelope Fitzgerald invites readers to contemplate the concept of the "inner eye." This notion suggests that there exists a perceptive quality within individuals, allowing them to see and understand things beyond ordinary sight. The inner eye may not always activate at will, but it can reveal deeper truths and insights when it does emerge.

Fitzgerald challenges us to consider this inner vision as a part of our sensory experience, akin to our physical senses. The idea encourages exploration of perceptions and experiences that transcend the material world, highlighting how sometimes profound understanding can come unexpectedly, reshaping our reality.